Week 76: Goodbye AGSM

Hoi zäme!

I can't believe it, but I'm at the end of my mission. As I'm writing this email, I am on the train to Munich where I will have my last interview with President Bates. From there, I'll be flying home on Thursday.

First of all, I want to thank all my friends and family that have helped me throughout my mission. You have been there supporting me through it all and have been some amazing mentors and friends to me.

To be honest, this week was really sad. I said many goodbyes to both friends and members. On Sunday, I got up to share my testimony with the ward. I looked up at all their faces in the crowd, and I just felt so much love for them. I have an unbelievable amount of love for all the people of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and I know that they will always hold a special place in my heart.

I want to close this email by sharing one of my favorite paintings and my testimony. This painting was done by Sister Yee of the general Relief Society presidency. In a Facebook post, Sister Yee describes the process of creating this painting:

"In the painting below (“And I Partook”), I’ve watched the mistakes and problem areas in my painting transform into treasures and beautiful miraculous changes as I’ve struggled and relied on His help. I realized that’s what the Savior can do for each of us as we turn our lives to Him. He can make beauty out of ashes and hardships of our lives".

My mission has absolutely changed my life. There have been some really difficult challenges and trials that I faced during these past 18 months. However, the Lord has proved Himself over and over. He will consecrate our afflictions for our gain. He has done that for me. The difficult moments have refined me and taught me more about our Savior. I have learned things about Jesus Christ that I would not have learned without the challenges I have faced on my mission. It has all been part Heavenly Father's perfect plan.   

I know that Jesus Christ lives. He knows us and He loves us. He is there to help us. I know that these things are true, and I say them in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Alles Liebe,

Sister Ava Gladwell

1. Celebrating the Swiss national holiday

2. Sister Field's doppelganger in the Bern Kunst Museum

3. My last appointment with one of our friends

4. I felt pretty dignified with the bucket hat that I bought with Sister Field