My dear family and friends,
It is hard to
believe that this will be the last email I ever write home from the
mission field. The past week has been incredibly emotional as I`ve been
going through serious denials about leaving this amazing country and the
life of a full-time missionary. I have loved it sooooo much and had the
most fulfilling and rewarding experience that anyone could have ever
asked for. Yes, there were some pretty rough times and some might say a
few downsides to having served; I`m pretty sure I`ll have skin cancer
someday from the six months I spent in Okinawa; I weigh probably about
15 pounds more than I did when I entered the MTC; The only people I`ll
know at BYU when I get home are the Elders I served with... most of whom
are about 4 years younger than me....creepy...; I`ve gone completely
out of style (my companion has informed me that wearing socks on your
head is a thing now...?); after using candy flavored toothpaste and
toothbrushes made out of pig hair I`m not sure how much longer my teeth
will stay in my head....
HOWEVER, all of those downsides DON`T EVEN BEGIN to
compare to what I`ve gained on this amazing journey! I have come to know
my Savior, and seen his loving hand guiding me and allowing me to do
His work. I wouldn`t trade the past 11/2 years for anything.
This email is short, but I`m not sure what else to say.
Through this blog I have been able to record just a few of my most
memorable experiences, and my hope for these past 18 months has been
that you who are reading felt excitement of this work, caught the fire,
and blessed those around you through serving and sharing the gospel. I
love my Savior, Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven who have allowed me
to see so many miracles and witness the gospel changing the lives of
those around me. Out of all of the people I taught and saw baptized, I
know from the bottom of my heart that through it all I was really the
one being converted and strengthened. Once again, thank you all for your
amazing emails and support. It has meant the world to me.
I still have three wonderful days left to work as hard
as I possibly can and find new people to teach! How cool is that?! You
never know what might happen in three days. Oh yeah, there`s the
airport, too! Yipeeee. I`ll see you soon!
Mata-ne
Love, Tingey Shimai
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