Elder John-Gregory Sierra

I AM GONNA LOSE A HUGE CHUNK OF MY HEART WHEN I RETURN HOME!
February 10, 2015

I'M COMING HOME MOMMA!!!

Well Mom, I don't how to tell ya. I'm still trying to realize that this is it, because it doesn't feel real to me either. It's like I am sitting on a train ride and I am the only one there and I don't know how long it's going to take for me to get back. It's pretty rough. I love my mission. Sacramento is my home. The people here I serve, I love them. And they love me as well. These past few days everybody has been trying to squeeze me in for a dinner or lunch or breakfast or brunch. In the past few days, I think I have had, like, 4 meals per day haha. It's been awesome, though, and I feel honored to be treated with such warmth. Last night was pretty special as well. I was eating with the Roberts (the family that houses me) and the Caspers (good friends). They were all commenting on how much they loved Elder Rentz (very great missionary and close friend) and I and were very grateful for our service. The Bishop called and told me that he was grateful for the work I put in for the group and I have been getting phone calls from former companions and other missionaries I served around telling me that I will be missed and, honestly, I am gonna lose a huge chunk of my heart when I return home. President Jardine wanted to give me an interview and it was probably the best one I'd ever had. We talked about what is to come, what I should do, things I should prioritize, and that I should go home, relax for a few days then, GO WILD (no, that's not what he said). I will tell you about the interview in more detail when I get home. At the end of it, he told me, "Elder Sierra, you've been in many places, you have had many "different" experiences that have helped you to grow in ways you never thought you could. I hope you know that your service has been more than enough. I hope you know that the Lord is pleased with you. I hope you know that I love you and will miss you very much." That one almost made me cry. The Spirit filled the room and I knew without a DOUBT that my mission was a success. I love my mission Mom. However, I love you and my family and friends just as much. I am more than ready to move on. I'm ready to reconnect with old friends. I am excited to see you all again and it will be a very joyous day when I get off the plane to hug you all again. It has been a great journey. I am ready for my next adventure. I love you so much Mom. Thank you for everything.

For the last time,

Elder Sierra