Homecoming Welcome Wall

 Welcome Home Jessie!

Standing in front of the Welcome Wall.

Coming Home

 After leaving for the MTC in Provo more than 18 months ago, then traveling to Australia, back to Alberta then on to Toronto for the final months of her mission, Jessie returned home. She served faithfully and with all her heart. What an adventure it's been!

The final leg

On her way...

Almost home!

Arrival!

As Jessie flew home to Calgary, Sister Milich flew with her from Toronto to begin serving her mission in Calgary, waiting for authorization to travel to the Czech Republic, her original mission assignment. 

She made it!

Secret of the Universe

My mission means everything to me. I have truly learned that our omnipotent Father in Heaven "is a rewarder [to] them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6) For me, that reward is perspective and that is what He gave me. I know I must do all I can to protect my little seed of faith in this world.

I have learned that He is the Father of our Spirits. I have learned that He is eager to help, that He wants to be talked to. In the Book of Mormon, we read different accounts time and time again of when His children inquired of Him and conversed with Him. This is because as Elder Holland said, "He who never sleeps nor slumbers cares for the happiness and ultimate exaltation of His children above all else that a Divine Being has to do." (Psalm 121:4) His nature is loving. I know He "does not require perfect faith to have access to His perfect power but He does ask us to believe." (President Nelson) I know that anyone who is willing to simply believe in Christ can witness His perfect power. Because of this truth, I have witnessed conversion!

Jesus Christ is the source of all lasting light! He is my Master Healer, my Prince of Peace, my Advocate, my Savior and my Redeemer. He sustains and He is always dependable. He gave all so that we might receive all. He paid the supreme price for all those who "believe in Him, for those who do not believe in Him and for those who mock, revile and course His name." (Elder Uchtdorf)

I now love and appreciate the gift of the Holy Ghost and because of it I can endure joyfully to the end. Understanding how the Spirit speaks to me means everything. I had obstacles removed from my path because I knew how to call upon God in time of need.

I know that His Priesthood power is on the earth today and that we all entitled to receiving personal revelation.

I have also learned that whether "it be sooner or later, IN IT I [can] rejoice." (Alma 13:25) That joy is found in the journey. We can count it all joy because all trials can be "swallowed up in the joy of Christ." (Alma 31:38)

I have learned to "agree with [my] adversary quickly" as Christ taught. To resolve differences early on to not fall captive to anger. Forgiveness is what frees us and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can forgive seventy times seven.

I have learned more about fortitude- having the strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage! That strength of mind with Christ's help.

The Book of Mormon confirms to my heart that God is actively involved in our lives. He is in the details of the details of the details. He is still reaching out to us today because He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

My mission experiences have reminded me once again that we really do have the secret of the universe and I never want to stop sharing! God lives. Jesus is the Living Christ and because of that I get to smile every day! This life is a joyful thing because of Him! 

Love you all to pieces.

Talk SOON!

 

BLOOM

 

Hiii 

I love you all and hope you're enjoying this warmer weather!!! With the flowers blooming I can't help but think about how we can bloom ourselves. In many of our lessons we have been coming back to President Nelson' s talk in general conference about faith! Something I've learned from Covid that I hope to never forget is to protect my little seed of faith. It is the most important thing I can do! I also loved a demonstration of faith given by some sisters from Japan in a pass off lesson with our bestest friend ever Um! She compared faith to falling backwards into someone's arms. We have to be willing to fall and with that there is a guarantee that we will be caught 110%. 

This week was a better week:) still so many ups and downs but it's all worth it. I am learning SO much from the experiences and people. I'm learning that it's best to forgive, and not just once but seventy times seven... like the Savior taught! 

We had a lesson this week with a new ESL friend Carol. The first time we met her she came prepared with assignments and we were able to let her know that we start and end with prayer help with English then share a little spiritual thought. Our first lesson went well and later she messaged us and said she was so touched by our words. We had a second lesson with her and wowowowowowow. This time instead of coming with her assignments she came to us with a broken heart And contrite spirit ready to embrace the gospel and invite God back into her life. She mentioned that a loved one passed away just that week and she felt like we were the angels sent to her at this specific time. That lesson we were able to have the Spirit testify through our words that she was loved, known, and taken care of. I've learned that it is only when our hearts feel broken that we are able to feel the Savior's loving hands holding it together still. Carol is a divine daughter of God and I'm grateful God let me stay here to witness this miracle and to reconnect with a heavenly friend. I'm so thankful for all the eternal friendships I'm making here! 

Another tender mercy... Melissa Molina. This girl is a light. We had the most spiritual lesson this week. She was feeling confused about whether she wanted to go through the temple May 15, or to wait a few more months for family to be able to join. With the Spirit and with prayer the answers came! While kneeling in prayer with her and listening to her sincerity with God my heart felt like leaping! I could not deny the Spirit I felt. 

This week after zone conference and after the departing testimonies my heart was filled, and I wanted to sing the song of redeeming love. My testimony is firmly rooted. I know who's side I'm on. I love my Savior. He is my King! Personal revelation is real and can happen for each of us. I love studying my scriptures. I love prayer. I love missionary work. I love God. I love trials. I love my companions. They are so good to me.

I've been on my knees so often lately with the words repeating in my head, "thank you thank you thank you thank you". 

GOD LIVES. His power is on the earth today to help us bloom into the people He knows we can become and for that I will forever say "thank you"!