A Letter Home

Gretchen wrote a letter home. She asked us to type it up and send out to everyone. Hope you enjoy it.

Dearest Family and Friends,

One of my favorite lines in Elder Oaks devotional was..."We pray in faith, and faith means trust, we trust that the Lord will bless us with what is best for us." And this is something I  struggled with a lot in my life. I often felt when I was younger that my prayers weren't being answered, because they weren't answered the way I wanted them to. Not until my senior year did I realize that my prayers were being answered in a more amazing way than I asked for. I didn't understand why a lot of things were happening to me: rough volleyball season, losing all my friends, moving wards, getting a concussion at the State Play offs and most importantly why I felt so alone. Why was God doing this to me?

Not for a long time did I realize that these were all blessings in disguise. I wouldn't have become great friends with Brandon, Jordan, James, Wesley, Megan and Rodrigo. They were instruments in the hands of God to get to me, my faith and my testimony where it is today! I would not have gone on a mission if it weren't for these amazing influences in my life. And I wouldn't trade my experiences on my mission for ANYTHING! It is the best decision by far, that I have ever made. So you can say that I have such a strong testimony of God's plan for me. I know that as I stay faithful, obedient and righteous, that I will continue to see Him lift me higher. I know that God puts struggles and hardships in our life for a reason. And I thank my Heavenly Father for loving me enough to cut me down! (The will of God, Mormon message)

Elder Oaks also said something that is pretty well known, but it means more to me now as I have reflected on it. it is... "This is not your mission," A lot of times, as missionaries we say, "on my mission" and to a certain extent we have a right to say that. But this is the Lord's work. It is the Lord's mission. If it was my mission, I'd choose when, where hand how I serve my mission. But I  was called of God to serve His mission at this time, here at Temple Square, in His way. And His way is through the spirit. Heavenly Father, Jesus Chris and the  Holy Ghost are one in purpose, What one would do, so would the others. So as I heed to the promptings of the spirit, I am a true representative of Jesus Christ. And what more could you ask for as a missionary?

I know that Elder Dallin  H. Oaks is an apostle. And that what he spoke on was truly inspired of God, because it touched me. It made me have a change of heart. And I k now that Thomas S Monson is a true prophet of God, and that as we heed unto his counsel, we will be drawn closer to God. His words are modern day scripture for us!!! Feast upon his words and internalize them. I promise that you in turn will strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ. And you will be happier than ever before.

I love you all so much!

Sister Gretchen Brock