Dudley, Emma

Hola familia y amigos! Here's part 2 to the last week of my mission:) On Friday, July 28, we woke up early and headed to the mission office. It felt surreal to travel down the 22 one last time. We listened to some of my favorite songs on my mission, including the song "Se hará señor tu voluntad," which I would always listen to with Hermana Midence. When we got there, I gave Hermana Echeverria one last hug and piled into President and Sister Galotera's car. We got to John Wayne Airport all too soon and had one last chance to say goodbye to the Galoteras before heading through security. Oddly enough, one of the elders from my mission was also headed to the Norfolk airport, so we said goodbye to the other missionaries in our group and headed to our terminal.  As the plane left Anaheim, I started sobbing. It was kind of embarrassing lol but I don't think I've ever been so sad in my entire life. The lady next to me was so kind. She turned off her music and asked me...

I am home.  I finished my full-time mission on July 28, 2023. It's hard to believe that my time serving the Lord as a full-time missionary is over for now. The hardest thing I've ever had to do is leave my mission. The last week was very special. I had some beautiful experiences that I never want to forget. Highlights: -On p-day, we had a bbq at the park with HBN! We played spikeball and had a great time. -HBN Devotional! I was able to share my departing testimony with some of my favorite missionaries:) -President Galotera called to tell me I would no longer be an STL. Even though I was expecting that, it was a tender experience. I felt Heavenly Father's love through Him. I miss that special role of being able to serve and love the sisters.  -I went to my last leadership training meeting. I went to 9 leadership trainings, 16 Mission Leadership Councils, trained in 36 zone councils, and led over 40 companion exchanges. The beautiful thing about it is I learned so much, but t...