Returned with Honor

Elder Trevino returned home from his mission on June 6, 2013.

The Final Letter

Well, as the remaining quickly passes, and as the return flight approaches, and seeing as how this we will be my last communication to you all before said return, I would like to write a final letter. Please ignore anything that sounds dumb, as I'm still used to talking in Spanish.

I will be eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for having given such a wonderful opportunity to serve in a part of his vineyard here in the beautiful country of Paraguay. I have be extremely blessed in inumerable ways. In this incredibly short span of two years I have matured, learned Spanish, learned to teach the gospel, seen many unforgettable sights and had many unforgettable moments as well. But most importantly I have grown closer to my Eternal Father, and have helped some of his precious children grow closer to Him as well.

Many things happen to a young person during their service as a servant of the Lord. One learns to cook, clean, makes their bed. One learns to study the scriptures with diligence. One learns to pray, for guidance, strength, hope, faith, charity. One prays to make it through another rainy day. For the chance to just find that one person willing to listen to two young Americans who don't really know how to speak their own language on a hot dusty afternoon. One prays for forgiveness, for errors in the past, and from the small mistakes made everyday. One prays for their family who wait back at home, and knows that they too are praying for them One prays constantly for inspiration, trying to get along with a companion whos way of thinking is just different than yours. One prays everyday, that perhaps the Spirit might accompany them, and that the same Spirit will touch the heart of some desperate soul.

If there was anything that I have learned here during these past two years, is that God live and does aswer prayers. He give the guidance, the strength, the hope, the faith, the charity, and everything thing that we wask of him. He leads us as missionaries to those willing to listen and to follow, and He forgives us of our petty errors as we strive to improve daily.

I know that I never really have shared many of my own thoughts or feelings, as I generally am a bit more reserved in that regard. But one thing I would like to share is my testimony. Although it be simple, it is firm. I know that God lives and that we are His children. He loves us more that we can ever imagine. Because of this undying love he sent his Son, Jesus Christ to the earth. He taught us his perfect gospel, the perfect plan and path. He willingly sacrificed himself, and suffered beyond belief for us, that if we be willing, we can live again with him in His eternal courts above.

I know that this gospel was lost for a period of time, but that it has again been restored in its fullness. I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to restore his true church, and that he also restored the Holy Priesthood required to act in His name. I know that the evidence of this restoration in the Book Of Mormon. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and like Joseph Smith said, if we read and live by its precepts, will will grow closer to God. I know that a prophet lives today, and that he is guided by Jesus Christ. I know that the promises that he and his apostles give will also be fulfilled. I know that the covenants that we make with God, enable us to live with him again. I know that God wants us to live happily. I know that obedience to his commandments allow us to live with much gladness and joy.

I know that all of these things are true, and that The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church on the face of the earth.

This testimony I have shared with many of my fellow brothers and sisters here in Paraguay, and I hope that I have been of good use as a servant of God in these past two years. I know that as I return and move on to other "missions" in life, that I will miss this time, but I will be happy, know that I was able to do some good while it lasted. May God continue to bless each of us, and inspire those future missionaries, so that they too may bring about much good in his vineyard.

See you soon.

Elder Treviño.