There is a story about an unbeliever who was a famous journalist who was about to die.  He published an article that said something like the following: "Death comes to all men, but somehow I believed that I would be the exception.  Now what?"  To this man and to all people, I testify that we go on to something better.

That doesn't mean that it's easy.  There's a lot you feel like you are leaving behind, and the unknown is always a challenge.  But it is always, always, always worth it.

My mission has been the hardest thing I've ever done.  Every day has brought a new and higher hurdle.  I never expected what would come, and I will never be the same.  I am not the same person that I was when I left, because that person wasn't me.  I now know what the gospel can be.  I know what happiness is.  I understand the gospel and the plan of salvation.  I have experienced the Atonement of Christ and felt to "sing the song of redeeming love."  I have come to know the Lord and come to realize that He knows me.

I do not want to leave my mission, but I know that now is my time to go on to something better.  I can't imagine it right now, but I know that it's there.

I know that this is the Lord's work.  I know that He is at the head.  I know that the Church has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith and that we have a prophet today.  I know that God has a plan for us and that if we obey Him we will receive all that He hath.  But I know most of all that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that He lives.  I know that and I testify of it in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Hermana Kirkland

Something I have learned on my mission is that God gives us exactly what we want.  If we want happiness and love and success and families and miracles, He will give us just that.  We have to work for it, and pray for it, and when we do our tiny little part, He does the whole shebang.  If we want other things... well, He lets us have that too.  Whatever we want and are willing to work for.

I gave a talk yesterday on miracles.  Maybe I'll include it in my homecoming talk, so nothing more here.

We taught at zone conference on Friday on helping people get to church, and it was just that.  Do everything you can and God WILL make up the difference.

Expect a longer email next week...

Love you!

Hermana Kirkland