Wow, so this is way weird. I remember at the end of my first transfer Sister Pendleton writing her last email, she asked what she should title it and I gave her this sick Lord Of The Rings referenced title. I promised to give my last email the same title, at the time that seemed worlds away but now here we are.
Mission culture has lots of funny terms about birth, death, parents and children because in it's own way a mission is like a life, or at least that's how it feels. Not because the time passed by slow (only sometimes) but because on a mission you change, grow and learn what seems like a life's worth, in a single eighteen months or two years. And now at the end I feel a bittersweet nostalgia for everything I ́m about to leave behind. Like I ́m dying, though I conveniently remember the next life I ́ll be going back to. I described it to my companion using that scene from The Chronicles of Narnia where they all shuffle back through the wardrobe after having lived out there life in Narnia, only to come back as children. That pretty accurately describes my mood.
It's funny how leaving my family behind on the MTC curb seems like yesterday but my first transfer seems years ago. After talking for a bit with Sister Pierson I realized it ́s because I no longer identify much with the Lia Bradley who I left on the curb, I ́m not exactly sure where she's been this whole time but I know for a fact that Sister Bradley has come a long long way. It ́ll be interesting to see how it is the two of them meet up as I go through boxes and memories making ends meet.
I loved my mission, I can say that it was in fact the best decision I ́ve made in my life coming out here. It wasn't always easy or straightforward. I have been pushed to my limits and full capacity, but every single second was worth it. I ́ve heard people comment a couple times about how blessed we are to get the chance to be missionaries, how the Lord could ́ve spread the gospel in any way, could ́be made rocks talk if he wanted to. But he didn´t, he sent us teenagers and I ́m so grateful he did because I know that I needed this. I ́ve loved taking in part in helping people, watching them and their lives change, watching the true power of the gospel take effect over and over. As well as I ́ve loved seeing it in my own life, feeling closer to my Father and Savior through taking part in Their work.
I was a long shot from being a perfect missionary. I don't ́t know all the inspired questions, I ́ve taught some pretty mediocre lessons, I haven't contacted the whole of Cabo Verde and not so deep down, I still loathe waking up at 6:30. But I'm glad the Lord sent me here to serve with a bunch of other imperfect kids to share His Gospel. I ́m grateful for the chance to give other people their chance. I love the people here so much and I know I needed them probably way more than they needed me but I've loved seeing their journeys and taking part in their stories of conversion.
Essentially what I ́m getting at with all this, is that the mission is the best. I recommend serving to anyone and everyone. And I want to say thanks to all the people who've helped, supported, taught and influenced me throughout the entire experience. I love you all and hope to see you all soon.
--Sister Bradley
p.s. also, funny story, turns out I got bronchitis (wasn ́t just a month long cold) but I got some medicine and I'm getting over it now so were good!
- My Crazy Filha
- P-day volleyball
- MCVP
- She's actually pretty great even if she does keep jumping on me
- Gift wrapped Book of Mormons
- Sister Justino and I (she was never my comp, but I wish)
- First week in the mission flashback, a whiter gal
- Peace out from the african crockpot :')
