From Emri Haynie
Teaching in South Korea
I hit my one year mark on my mission. My mission hasn't only
blessed other people's lives, but it's blessed mine.
Because of the choice I
made to serve, it's also been 1 year since I've slept in. One year since I've
eaten Mom's tacos. One year since I've driven my car, slept in my bed, watched
a movie on the projector, listened to my music, updated my Facebook status, or
swam in the Snake River. It has been one year since I have slept over at a
friend’s house, gone to Taco Bandido, taken a road trip, eaten an Idaho potato,
smelt ethanol in the air, or taken a Sunday nap. One year since I've
gone to school and studied math, danced, or laid on the couch and watched TV. One
year since I've been on a date. One year since I've been to my Aunt Keri's house
and watched The Amazing Race.
It's also been one whole year of not seeing my beautiful
family, hugging my mom and hearing her say, “I love you.” One year since wrestling
dad and calling me a wimp. One year without calling sisters and telling them
stories and giving advice to each other. One year since we've all been together.
But....
It has been 365 days of waking up at 6:30. 365 days of
not missing a morning prayer, or scripture study session. One year of perfect
church attendance. 365 days of walking, riding buses, subways, knocking on
doors sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. One year of studying eternal truths
to help others live eternally. The kinds of dates I've been on and planned for
are of more importance than the onesI haven't had for a year. Sunday nights
are spent on the street finding those families who are prepared and ready to
start an amazing race of their own. A whole year of being tired but somehow
having the energy and happiness to continue to work hard. 365 days, and who
knows how many miracles!
This year I've grown closer to my Heavenly Father than I
have in any of the previous 19 years of my life.
This one year has confirmed all of the things I had been
taught and the beliefs I had growing up. All those times at church, seminary
classes, activities, mutuals, family home evenings, all those dreaded mornings
waking up before school to read the scriptures. I now have a testimony of
how important those things really are and I am so grateful for the parents and
leaders who knew that before me.
I can't believe how fast time has flown and how much
I've learned. It definitely hasn't been the easiest of rides but, just as
Carlos A. Godoy said in conference, "Sometimes the best roads aren't the
easiest."
I know that this is
the road that I need to be on and I am so grateful that the Lord put me on this
path. I know that this Church is true. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am
so honored to take His place and serve others as He would.
