The Final Chapter

The final chapter has come to an end. My last transfer has officially ended and I'm closing the book. Ask me if it feels real. Because it doesn't. In moments here and there, it has hit me, but I don't think it will feel real until I'm getting off the plane.

In true missionary fashion, I'm going to end my last email in the mission with my testimony.

I was reflecting a lot recently about my time as a missionary. Eighteen months have flown by, but I'm extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to serve as a representative of Jesus Christ. In that time, I've noticed a huge change in myself. That change is something that has only happened because of my time as a missionary.

I know the power that missions have and am truly grateful for everything I've passed through: both the good and bad. I will never regret serving my mission and will be eternally grateful for the life lessons I've learned.

"You'll never regret serving a mission, but you might regret not serving one."

I testify of the validity of that statement.

I love you all!

And, for the last time,

Amo Sempre,

Sister McEldowney

Ending with a BANG!

It's not every missionary that turns 21 a week before they end their mission. 

How lucky am I?!

With that privilege being all mine, I had the opportunity to spend my birthday was some very special people! Being in Bertioga for my birthday was an answer to prayers. I got to celebrate with some incredible members, including one family who I can't thank enough for making my day so special! A surprise party was exactly what this sister missionary needed and was not at all expecting. 

Seeing as how I never have a whole lot of time, I just wanted to send pictures from my fabulous birthday celebration and tell everyone that I'm older, hopefully wiser, but without a doubt more grateful than ever before. I love being a missionary and am more grateful every day for the opportunity that I have had to serve as a full-time resprentative of Jesus Christ and gain all the resources I need to continually become more like Him.

Have a great week!

Amo Sempre,

Sister McEldowney

Birthday buddy! Feliz Aniversário Yasmim!

Companheira! Te Amo!

PAR-TAY! Woot woot!

Pictures!

No time. Enjoy the pictures from the last 2 weeks!

Because I Have No Time...Again!

From the keeper of this blog -
We went on vacation and missed posting for July 25 and we didn't get anything this last week other than our family email. Hope all is well where you are! Here's July 25's post. It's all pictures.

Reunited...for a day haha!

Pizza on the bus!

São João...a month later! But, I learned how to dance forró!

Face to Face with Kayla

The sisters in my apartment have started what they call "Face to Face with Kayla" as a way to reflect on my mission. This week had some interesting questions. The most interesting was this: How do you feel now that you're so close to going home? Here's my response.

It's bittersweet. I never had a huge desire to serve, but knew that I needed to because it was part of Heavenly Father's plan for me. As I've served, I've come to truly love this work. I love being a missionary. Is it hard? Of course! Is it tiring? Without a doubt! Is it worth it? Absolutely. I've changed because of my mission and can truly say that I have all the resources I need to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I miss my family and friends a lot and I'm excited to see everyone and relax a little bit, but I'm going to miss my mission. 

You'll never regret serving a mission, but you might regret not serving one. I know I would regret things if I hadn't chosen to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and serve.

I love you all! Have a great week!

Sister McEldowney

Riveria!!!

I'm going home!

Because I Was Too Lazy to Send Pictures Last Week

Parabéns Eduardo!

Welcome to Bertioga...at night!

I Was Called...And Now I'm Going Home!

My Branch Mission Leader is Elder Holland's twin!

I'm armed and dangerous...careful! 

My lovely conference group! Sister Felix and Sister Justino!

So, that happened! I was on top of the boat!

Our Sunday Feast...with coconut!

We went to an abandoned tomb/church this morning with a friend of ours. It was legit!

A Week of Changes

Everything is changing here in Missão Brasil Santos! For a girl who's never liked change all that much, I'm doing alright!

First off, we're going to meet our new mission president tomorrow! How I already got to this point in my mission that I'm sending off my president and getting a new one beats me, but it's happening!

Also, my friends are all getting transferred and leaving me in Bertioga, but it's ok, because I adore my companion and am secretly praying that she's my last companion. We'll see if that works out!

Lastly, I'm starting to see the difference that missions make. Without a doubt, I will always be that crazy Kayla that a majority of you have come to know (and either put up with or love), but I'm a different person now than I was 16 months ago. At least, I feel different. 

Well, I'm tired and probably not making sense now.

But, sending lots of love to wherever you are!

Love,

Sister McEldowney