Week #28: We're all the same

I've been sitting here for a while thinking about what I want to say.  I guess I don't have the words to describe everything that I'm thinking and feeling.  Even less because right now feels like one of those moments when life isn't really real...one of those moments when everything feels like a dream...or a movie.  Have you ever felt that way?  Like you're in a movie?  It's a weird feeling.  And it's what I feel right now.  And I don't know how to describe it.

I've seen a lot of things that have changed me during my seven months here in Honduras.  A lot of things that have made me realize how truly blessed I am.  A lot of things that have made me realize how wonderful it is to live, to see, to walk, to breathe.  A lot of things that have made me realize that God truly does exist.

We're human, and, because of that, we're imperfect.  We're imperfect, and we're selfish and egotistical and uncharitable.  And it's sad.  It's sad that we walk around judging others, thinking that we're better than them, when really, we're not.  God created all of us, and God loves all of us.  And of all the things that I've learned on my mission, this is the greatest of all: we're all the same.

I've been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of people's lives, to listen to people's stories, to see who they really are.  And it's life changing.  It's life changing to see the light that the gospel brings to someone's life.  It's life changing to see someone smile or to listen to their laugh.  It's life changing to really know and grow to love someone.

I can tell you these people's stories.  I can tell you the moments I've had that've made me laugh.  I can tell you the moments I've had that've made me cry.  But through it all, there's only one thing that I've really learned: God lives.

God lives.  And if you don't believe it, get down on your knees and pray.  Ask Him if He's really there.  Ask Him if He knows your name.  Ask Him if He really cares about you.  And after you've asked, stop and listen.  And I promise you that you'll get an answer.  You'll feel something stir within your heart.  I promise you.  You'll know, just like I do, that it's true.  I can't really explain how I know that God exists, how I know that this Church is true, how I know that all of this is true.  Because I don't know how to describe it.  People have asked me how I know and I can never find the words to answer them.  All I can say is that it's true.  I know it with all of my heart.  And that's why I'm here.  That's why I'm in Honduras, far away from my family, my friends, and the life that I've known for 19 years.  Because it's true.  Trust me, if this Church wasn't true, I wouldn't be here in a third world country, dodging bullets in the streets and taking bucket showers.  I would be in my bed in my sweatpants eating microwave popcorn and watching The Bachelor.  But here I am.  Giving the little that I have to the Lord that has given me everything. 

Ew, lol, sorry for the mushy gushy email.  Emotions are weird sometimes.  But I love you all.  Really I do.  You're always in my thoughts and in my prayers.  

And not to brag or anything but I just finished reading The Book of Mormon in Spanish, so I mean, I'm really cool and stuff, but anyway.

Lol so yup.  Hasta luego, losers.

Love,

Hermana Holdaway