Monday, August 3, 2015

Last letter of the mission....

Hi Everyone,

So... how does it feel that I´m writing my last letter as a missionary? A little weird. It hasn´t all sunk in that in three days I´ll be back in my home and native land. That the majority of the people around me will be speaking English.

It´s been a privilege to be a servant of the Lord here in Veracruz. In Ojo de Agua, Nogales, Primero de Mayo, Jardin and Zaragoza. I´ve seen many miracles here...even in my short time in Zaragoza and I know that we are only instruments of God, nothing more.


Yea, I know that I am nothing ; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things ; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.  Alma 26:12

I can´t repeat enough the words of Ammon. Was it tough? Absolutely. Did people reject to hear this glad message? Every Day. Was I free from illness, Haha...nope.  Brother Laycock wrote in my little ' byebook' before I left that a mission would start out as the hardest thing I´d ever do and become the most rewarding thing I´ll ever do. He´s right.

I left Edmomton knowing only' hola',' adios',' como estás' and 'aguacate'. When I got to the mission, I cried many nights because I couldn´t understand why I was here. I couldn´t speak the language. I couldn´t understand what people were telling me. I felt lost.

 Now, Mexico has become a part of me. A part I can never take back. I´ve met amazing people here, been able to feel the love that God has for His sons and daughters. And trust me.... He loves us SO MUCH!!! Never ever doubt that.

He´s been able to help me a lot. I´m still the same girl, the same Tessa Marie...but He´s been able to help me how He sees me and how I can help His sons and daughters even more. That´s what I strive to do.

When I was 15 I wrote down my dream in a paper cloud for our grade nine farewell that I wanted to change someone´s life for the better.  My Heavenly Father has let me be a part of that. Him...guiding me along to the people that especially needed Him. I know He´s got a lot more in store for me, and sometimes the future frightens me, but right now I´m feeling pretty calm. So...let´s do this.

I love you all. Thanks for supporting me throughout all this time and I´ll see you in the Bearspaw Chapel at  1 pm August 9 as I report my mission. All of my friends and family are welcome!

Para Siempre,

Hermana Tessa Marie Jones

Misión México Veracruz
Tessa in the missionary training center March 2014  

Tessa in the number one spot on the board, meaning next to go home 2015
 March 2014-August 2015