Beautiful day at Chance and Michaele’s wedding in Texas
We are getting closer to our departure date. We have been really busy with our packing, family trips, weddings, and work. But as the days pass it is starting to hit us more and more that we are actually leaving.
Enjoying the wedding treats and helping mommy and daddy pack up the apartment
We aren’t worried or sad, but anxious and maybe a bit nervous! I’ve been working on making some arrangements to be able to get through customs and immigrations quickly for our arrival into Costa Rica. A few hours after we arrive we will be catching a bus to leave Costa Rica and head north to Nicaragua.
Art City Days! So excited to see the roller coasters
I feel like I’ve had some time lately to think about why we are really leaving. I know we posted a bit about this already, but I feel like we’ve left out a lot. The short and most honest answer I have for anyone wondering why we are leaving is… We want to have a mission experience. Period. What does that mean? It means serving and loving others, being an example of the believers (1 Timothy 4:12), and help bring people to God. The nice beaches, great weather, and other things we’ve mentioned are just after thoughts. The things I remember most about the times I’ve lived out of the country with my family in Panama and Chile are the missionary experiences I had.
At Reid and Jenny’s wedding last weekend
Missionary service changes lives. I know that when I was on my mission I learned so much and changed forever. Angie and I want to change and be better. We want to be good examples to our kids to love life (wherever you are), and to look for opportunities to progress. We want to serve the people in Nicaragua. We want to do all that we can to build the Kingdom, and we have been blessed with the faith that He will provide a way for us to make it work.
So, do we have everything figured out? No. Do we feel like this is the right thing to do for our little family? Yes.
We are not trying to convince anyone to pack up their bags and follow us. Or even that this life style is the best way to live your life. There is so much that everyone can do in their own family, neighborhood, and country. Plenty of people that need help, guidance, or a friendly smile. We feel lucky that we have this opportunity and are grateful for the support of friends, family, and followers like you!
I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives. -Thomas S. Monson