Home (& England) Is Where The Heart Is

Hi family friends and missionaries:)

Most of you have probably heard the news! I’ve been home for about a month now, but I wanted to send a last email and I feel prompted that now is a good time. 

There isn’t one big astronomical lesson I learned on my mission. Rather a million small lessons that have made me who I was as a missionary and who I am now. Reading all my past emails have really made me reflect on all of the sweet (sometimes bittersweet lol) lessons and memories I made over the course of about 11 months! 

My stomach has been better since I’ve gotten home. I trust that the Lord has need for me here at this time. I’ve felt it. I’ve seen a doctor who is really understanding and has really helped me feel like myself again. I think that was the hardest part while I was in England. I was in a lot of pain and I didn’t feel like a missionary anymore. And while I’m still struggling to understand who I am while coming home, I feel supported by everyone. Especially the savior. It’s a tough and valuable lesson when the Lord changes 

I was able to go to Palmyra right after I got home. It was such a special experience. I felt there that I was right where I needed to be. 

I’m not going to glamorize the last email, but I just want to thank you all for your unconditional and immense love for me during this period. The replies when I was feeling down, the encouragement when I was happier than ever, but no matter what I was feeling the love was always there. I feel that from my Heavenly Father as well.

I just want to share the precious truths I learned on my mission. I know Jesus Christ suffered for me, for my imperfections and for the imperfections of the world. This gift, along with the gift of my testimony are something I will treasure forever. I know our trials can mold us into faithful beings. I’m thankful every single day for the glimpse of love god has for his children that I experienced and felt while on my mission. I know Christ is the center for everlasting joy and happiness. I know this is His church. And I know the Book of Mormon is true. It is inspired. And it was translated for you and me. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

You are loved 

Signing off

Sister Cloward