This week flew by and I'm scared that this week will fly by faster. However, I'm still going to give it my all this week and see how many more new people we can find to teach. I am excited though to go to Bogotá and visit some people that I taught and were baptized, the Osorio Family (less active now) and the Acosta Family. So I am going to take advantage of the 2 more days I will have there and not here to try and visit them and see how they are doing and what I can do to help them. I have my last interview with President Laney on Monday morning and then PEF all day Tuesday. I will be staying in my old house (secretary house) which will be nice. Then early Thursday morning I head off for California. I still don't feel nor believe that my mission is coming to a close and I don't think it will hit me until I get to the US and everyone is speaking English, ha ha.
I am very grateful for the opportunity I have had and still have to serve as a missionary and be a representative of Jesus Christ. There have been many trials along the way and I have made many errors, but I know that it is only through these hard times that we can learn and grow closer to God. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He suffered and died for us one by one and He loves and knows each one of us. I know that we have a Heavenly Father as well who loves us perfectly and wants us to return home with Him. This is only possible through the gospel of Jesus Christ and our obedience to it. I know that The Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith was a prophet called by God to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know these things are true because I have prayed and asked God and have received answers though the Holy Ghost. I invite everyone to do the same and follow the advice found in James 1:5 which reads, "If any of you lack wisdom , let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him".
I love you all. Thank you so much for all of your love and support through these quick 2 years. If you have any questions or want to know more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints you can visit lds.org, mormon.org, or you can talk with me or the missionaries.
Elder Richmond