(editor: old pic, but one of my favorites)
Hello Everybody,
This last week in my mission was filled with a lot of eating food with members and saying goodbye to everybody. It’s real tough saying goodbye to all the people I came to love here in Santa Ana and spent so much time with. Saying goodbye to all of them was definitely something that I haven’t been looking forward. But I managed to keep myself together and not shed too many tears haha.
On Saturday we had a fun day. We had the baptisms of Wilma and Kimberly in the afternoon and then the big going away party in the evening. We had a good turnout and tons of food. Had a good program of people dancing, singing, playing games, and just enjoying each others presence. Tried to take pictures with as many people as possible, because I really will miss these people. What a blessing it has been to get to know them and become good friends.
Sunday morning I bore my last testimony to the Branch. After Sacrament Meeting, there were a lot of tears shed by many people (including myself) and we took some final pictures. I then hopped in a van and made my way to Laoag (5 hour trip), officially ending my time in Santa Ana as a full-time Missionary. Tuesday afternoon I will get on the plane and fly into Manila, stay the night there, and then get on another plane which will take me back to the Promised Land.
(Thank you Ruth)
The 3rd Ward in Laoag hosted dinner for the departing missionaries.
I will never forget the incredible time that I have spent on an island that 2 years ago I knew nothing about. A little country with little people that I have fallen in love with. This part of the earth will always have a special place in my heart. I love the Philippines. I love the Filipinos. And I’m so thankful the Lord sent me here.
Many things have been shared on this blog in the past 2 years. If you read every single one, you will realize that Ryan Jenkins isn’t the same Ryan Jenkins he was two years ago. A full-time mission can change you and mold you into the better person that The Lord needs you to be. I encourage all young men in the church to serve a mission and promise you that it is worth it. I know The Lord loves us and that HE LIVES!
I put an ending to this blog and everything written, In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I’m coming home,
– Elder Jenkins
The Santa Ana District
The departing missionaries from Zone Conference
with President & Sister Peterson and Elder & Sister Nelson.
