Hmm…so where to start. I’m in denial. It doesn’t feel real. I still have time, but…the 18 months is over. I don’t know what else to say except I love my Savior with all my heart. There’s no way I can repay Him for who He is and what’s He’s done for us, and so I just hope and strive and pray every day to do His will so that He knows that I love Him. That’s why I’m so grateful that I was able to serve Him for this short time, and I’m so grateful that it won’t end here. There’s more to do here on this earth and the work of the Lord doesn’t stop, no matter where you are.
You’re probably expecting something beautiful and eloquent and sorry, because this probably isn’t it haha! How can I truly express the gratitude I have for Him that’s allowed me to serve Him in this special, special place in His vineyard? My favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon is Jacob 5- about the Lord and the vineyard. I cry every time I read it because I feel the love that God has for each and every one of us- His precious and beloved sons and daughters. I also have a favorite section in the Missionary Handbook, which says “You and your companion are assigned to a specific proselying area. You represent the Lord in this area and are responsible for obtaining His direction in carrying out your assignement and blessing the people there.” The areas I’ve served in, like Paradise and Baler, are just small, small parts of the Vineyard, but I know God knows those people there. I know He loves them. And I love them too. I would give anything and everything for them and it will break my heart to pieces to leave them. But I told Heavenly Father that that’s ok…it’s ok if it hurts so much, just as long as they’re happy and safe and return to live with Him again.
I know this gospel is true. I know that obedience to God’s commandments is the only way to true and lasting happiness. There’s no other way to eternal life. I know that from the bottom of my heart and so my wish for you and for every person here on earth is to follow the Savior. Allow Him to heal and comfort and sanctify you. This was never about debating who’s right, who’s wrong…but it’s all about who we follow and what He asks us to do if we are really His true followers. Follow Him. Keep His commandments. And you’ll be happy. Forever. I promise and testify of that.
I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I love Them for their patience and forgiveness and everything they’ve taught me and I’m grateful that I was able to serve Them and Their children here in the Philippines. I don’t want to go home. But I know that the work isn’t done and as we listen to the Spirit and pray and seek, there are more people to bless, more work to be done, until the Savior Himself will say the work is done. This has been a glorious time, and I couldn’t have asked for more. I don’t deserve to ask for more, but I just hope that this isn’t the end. There’s more :)
I love you all. Thank you for everything. The Savior loves you too. He forgives you and is waiting for you to come to Him. Before my favorite scripture was 3 Nephi 27:27 so that everyone could see that “Ah yes, Sister Allen is a true disciple!” but that’s changed. I don’t want to think of me- it’s all for HIM. This has now become my favorite- 3 Nephi 9:14-15
“Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.”
I love Him. I know He’s always there. I hope that I can glorify the name of our Father too.
Love you all, I’ll see you when I see you.
Prayers and hugs,
Sister Allen
Philippines Angeles Mission
Nov. 2014- May 2016