Well this is it, my two years as a full time missionary have come to a close. Sometimes it feels like it was an eternity and other times it feels like its only been a few days. I have had plenty of hard days but so so many good days.
Whether it was in the jungles of Kaneohe, the sketchy alleys of Honolulu, the suburbs of Waipio, the beach houses of Kealakekua, the countryside of Ka'u or the desert hill of Makakilo the Lord had lessons for me to learn and lives that he needed me to bless. Despite my mission being to help and serve others I know that the biggest change has been in myself. I am nowhere near perfect and I know that I made mistakes every day, but at the same time I know that I have become more like the man that Heavenly Father expects me to be.
I have made so many lifelong friends in the people I have taught alongside and those I have had the privilege to bare witness to. My companions have each changed my life and taught me valuable lessons. I have been blessed to see miracles and be a part of thus great work.
One such miracle I was able to be a part of this week was one that will have a lasting impact on me. As I mentioned a few weeks ago I recently ran into Leslie Niumata and her family that I taught in Honolulu over a year ago. As it happens my companion at the time (Elder Lewis) had been transferred back into that same area around the same time I saw them again. Leslie told us that she didn't think it was a coincidence that she ran into both of us in such a short amount of time. She started taking the lessons more seriously after that and just this Saturday was baptized. Because of the special circumstance and it being my last week in the field I was given permission to go back to Honolulu and perform the baptism. Her son John and neice Palagi were also baptized. I have felt joy many times on my mission but I can't think of a more perfect way to end my two years on these islands than seeing my good friends follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. It is a moment I will never forget.
To all of you that have seen me through this journey, thank you for your support me and praying for me, it has helped me through so much. I know I still have a long way to go, but I know that the journey is possible through Christ. I love you all and look forward to serving alongside all of you as we keep the missionary work alive, wherever it is that we may be. So for the last time...
Aloha!!
Elder Smith
Hawai'i Honolulu Mission
1. Aloha Oe from the Makakilo and Palehua Wards
2. Me with Leslie, John, and Palagi
3. The baptism
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