The End of the Beginning of a New Life

March 23, 2020

Información General

Wow. I sit here outside of our house taking in one of the last Mexican sunsets I'll get the chance to see for a little. The sky is a color palette of yellow and blue and orange; the air hums with the sound of flocking birds and locales getting their daily game in on the little field football in front of the house. There is a feeling of peace that I cannot truly describe, and I believe that is the word I would use to describe these past few days: peace. Yesterday we were informed that all the foriegn missionaries were getting sent back home due to COVID-19. I will be coming home sometime this week, and, because I am close to completing 18 months, will probably be released as a full time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. There had been rumors all of last week of the possibility that we were going back, but to get the news was the spark to the blaze of a lot of feelings. I have always know the mission had to end, but just last week I was thinking that end was going to be in August. But, despite the change, I am as calm about going home now as I would have been if it was August. That is because over this past year and I half I have truly seen Heavenly Father's hand in my life. My Dad always told me how in this time it's as if you were personally taught by Him, and I personal testify of that being my experience. I did lots of things, achieved many accomplishments and also made many mistakes, but I have such a strong testimony that my mission is exactly what Heavenly Father wanted for me. I know these things because looking back on it all I can so clear recognize the hand of His beloved son and our Savior, Jesus Christ,  in every moment. And for me the greatest comfort is knowing that whenever I saw His hand, I took ahold, and clung to it for my life because truly it was the only way I could have done all of this. I am a very normal person with many flaws and weaknesses, but how grande of a joy it is to know that the Lord magnifies His servants. I felt of His grace as he made up for the areas where I lacked, and, despite me being a ordinary person, He magnified me to do something truly extraordinary. I am forever grateful for all of the experiences Heavenly Father allowed for me to live in my time here in Mexico. 

THANK YOU!

While on the term of gratitude, I would like to as well thank each and every single one of you for having joined me on this once of a lifetime adventure. Whether you read all of my emails, just a few of them of if this is your first one, thank you. I truly have been blessed in my life for the the countless friendships that I had so close to my heart, and I truly carried you all with me in this time I had as a missionary. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the messages, emails and prayers over these past 18 months, as I truly have felt the impact of them day after day after day. I owe you all, and although I may be limited  in self isolated quarantine for 2 weeks, I am always a call away from doing whatever I can for anyone of you. One last time, THANK YOU!!

Scripture Power

In the face of all the uncertainty of my future, I would like to share 2 scriptures that have helped me feel confident and determined about what lies ahead. 1.D&C 122:9) I had a wall of emotion come over me as I read this scripture this morning. Many times in my mission I have found great peace from the sections of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail. There is such a relatability to the feelings of worry and uncertainty of Joseph Smith, and, in likelyhood, there is such a powerful spirit of the Lord's response to him. Among all the spiritfulled verses, 9 stands out to me in particular as it says how the days of Joseph Smith are counted, and that his years won't be shortened. For me I can know that Heavenly Father always knew I was going to be coming home right now, and that it is just another step in His marvelous plan for us. The second part of the verse that I love is at the end where it says "for God shall be with you forever and ever." Coming home I know that as long as I keep myself worth of His presence He shall be with my forever, and with that I know whatever the future has instore, I will be ok. 2. Luke 12:16-20) This scripture is my mission statement from now on, as it what I need to focus on the most now. In the verses Jesus tells a parable of a man who had produced much fruit. Due to these many good, he stored all of them up and then proceed to stop working to "be merry" and enjoy life. The Lord then reproaches him for having so foolishly put all of his confidence what he already had, instead of continuing. For me I see the goods that the man produced as the experiences and testimony that are brought from the mission. But, the message I get from it is the determination to keep working, and not get into a feeling of comfort (2 Nephi 28:21). I have seen many fruits from my mission, but it's never enough to stop working. In the end, the end of the mission isn't nothing but the start to a new, better life. 

El Gran Final

Well. After that short essay, I would just like to finish with my undeniable testimony in that Christ lives (D&C 76:22). It is through this one eternal and precious truth that ever other testimony I have is true. I testify of the eternal and perfect love of our Heavenly Father; I love Him with all my heart, and I love all of you as well. This is my eternal testimony in the name of Jesus Christ amen. 

Te amo México.

Les amo a ustedes. 

Until soon!!

Elder Jackson

1. District activity

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