Last E-mail Aug. 1, 2016: "Come What May and Love It"

Wow, we've all heard the cliche that these two years go by super fast but I guess it takes actually getting to the end before you realize it's true. I can't believe that I'm already leaving a place that I've come to love so much. The people here have become like my family and these last few days of saying goodbyes was harder than I thought it would be. I'll definitely be leaving a part of myself here (besides my appendix) and I hope to be able to return to this beautiful country before too long.

As I think back over these last two years I think the phrase "come what may and love it" is a pretty fitting theme. My mission has been the hardest roller coaster of ups, downs, and in-betweens I've ever experienced. At the same time it's also brought greater joy and satisfaction than anything I've ever done before. I've faced trials and challenges all along the way and I've wondered more than once how I'd be able to continue. One of the key lessons I've learned though is just that; to accept what comes, trust in the Lord to guide you through it, and then to enjoy whatever it is. It's my testimony that God will always see us through if we stay near to Him.

My mission has caused me to grow and stretch in ways that I never would have thought possible before. I've grown much closer to the Savior and I've become much more sensitive to the Spirit. I'm a very different person then I was when I walked into the MTC two years ago. Although I know I still have a long ways to go I'm grateful that God has helped me to become a little better than I was before. These really have been the best two years of my life. :)

Thanks to all of you for your love and support these last two years and before. Many of you have been an answer to prayer as your words and encouragement have come at just the right moment. I look forward to seeing each of you again. :)

Pictures!

This is what rainy season looks like.

Brother Isaac, one of our investigators and a truly Christ like man.

Our friend Yanni. We've had a great time working with him.

Jibi and Tresa. We had fun with them. ;)

Vishantkaran, Sumitra, Sumitra's duaghter, and Vibakaran. Some of my favourite people from this area.

Stephen and Flamy's family.

I love India.

Sister Radhika and her mother.

Sister Mary, her daughter Sony, and I'm not sure who the last one is.

Sister Maheshwari, Brother Durgesh, and Sravanthi. A wonderful recent convert family who are all still going strong.

Love you all. Until next week everyone, stay strong and rock on. :)

-Elder Cloward