COMING HOME

Waking up at 2am was everything I ever wanted as a missionary. The only reason I’d want to get up that early is to go contacting haha. All 25 missionaries headed to the airport together. It was a bitter sweet sight to see. Entering the Changi Airport felt like I was just entering the field instead. The plane ride was good, I looked over the “My Plan” for returning missionaries that helps us adjust coming back home. I got to have a really long personal study haha. The plane ride from Singapore to China was about 3 hours. At the Shanghai Airport, finally the group split up. Missionaries were going to all parts of the US, and no one else was going to New York except for me haha. Elder Bowler and I decided to go contact people as we were waiting for our next flight. He is amazing and I’ve looked up to him so much! The plane ride from China to New York was 14 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!! My “bum” (as said in our family), was very very sore. I tried contacting the people next to me but they were a cute old Indian couple that didn’t really speak english. I said a couple words to them in Tamel but that was the best that I could do. After what seemed like a decade, I finally arrived in New York. It was dark, so I was still trying to convince myself I was in Singapore. I had imagined this day very vividly in my mind. I cringed at the fact that there was a possibility that I might walk out of the airport without my family because they didn’t realize I was coming home haha. Luckily that did not happen. Walking out of the airport to see my family was so surreal. EVERYONE was there. Dad, Mom, Ky, Keldon, Londyn, Shaylee, Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, and Papa!! They were all cheering and I got to hug my mom first :) I got one of her hairs in my mouth and said, “Well, I guess I know I’m home now!” It was so so so surreal. I felt like I was dreaming. Keldon had grown taller, Kyler was thicker, Londyn was NOT a youngster anymore, everyone had changed! They had rented a 14 passenger van to pick me up in haha. When we got home they had put up a sign that said, “SELAMAT DATANG, ELDER!!!” Google translate didn’t let them down this time haha. It was a very special experience. Everything feels weird. I am still a missionary. I am still a missionary. Hopefully I can adjust to the newness of life! Also I am blown away at how many white people there are here. Never thought I’d say that haha. For two years I have been serving my Heavenly Father by helping others find their heavenly home. For now, it's time that I go back to my earthly home. :)

My first Sunday back I gave my homecoming talk. It was cool to have the future Elder LaRose give his Homecoming talk the same day. It was really cool to see everyone in the ward. I attempted to give my talk in english, but it was definitely a struggle. There were times where I said over the pulpit, “ok hold on, that made no sense in english. Give me a moment to think.” It felt good to be surrounded by so many members of the church. I’m back in a WARD instead of a branch! Weird. Everything is just weird.