Recently I was thinking quite a lot about my service as a missionary. I served in Knoxville Tennessee. It was the absolute best experience of my life. Right now I have 2 younger brothers on missions. Reading their letters from Washington, and from Italy, remind me the crazy ups and downs of a mission...

I wrote a letter to one of my brothers that I wanted to share on here... because these are feelings close to my heart. And truths that I feel very passionately about. These things apply to all of us, no matter what are circumstances in life. And I truly believe that ALL of us on our own missions in life - we all have a purpose. God will help us slowly discover our purpose in life, and will remind us of destination as we ask him for guidance.

(About companions that don't like you)

Well... This was something that was close to my heart. I felt that way quite often. Not with all my companions... not even with most of them. But... its hard. It sucks. And you and me are the same... we both care deeply if others like us. Why? Because we LOVE them. SO it hurts when they don't feel the same way.

I have some inspiring words. Deal with it. haha... kay. not exactly that.... but pretty much. Most companions that didn't like me had severe depression and anxiety. The other companions even if we weren't friends, we got along fairly well because we both had the spirit, and we were both trying as hard as we could to work well together. 

so... here's the thing. I know its hard, but try to remember that its not personal. Most likely your companion is truly struggling with something on the inside which is why he is not as pleased you. Just be nice to him, pray for him, and when he is rude, unkind or distant, just remind yourself that its him, not you.

(On discouragement)

 There is no point in going on a mission unless you get severely discouraged a couple of times. Those times, where you are most discouraged, are the times that persuade you to fall on your knees in complete humility before Heavenly Father and find ultimate peace and joy through him... despite the difficulty of your situation. That is what missions are made of... the sweetest of joys and the bitterest of sorrows. The discouragement is what makes the joy sweeter when it comes.

I want you to know that I love you. And I do empathize. I am not really just saying "deal with it", or "sucker up". I know that it is extremely hard. And its not fun to be discouraged, or disliked, or to find people dropping from your investigator list like flies. But remember this is all part of this experience. Heavenly Father loves you so much, and he allows you to feel sorrow and pain and discouragement because there is no better way for us to grow. He is watching out for you. And of course, never forget that you are doing SO SO SO much for the people. At times you may feel that everything is crumbling around your ears, or that you are not doing much on your mission. That you are going through the motions, but accomplishing nothing. 

THIS IS UNTRUE. It is Satan's most common lie for missionaries. Anytime you start feeling this way, kneel down, and ask Heavenly Father to remind you of your purpose and remind you of how much you are doing for this world. Goodness gracious, he will overwhelm you with love and understanding, and you will feel briefly, that all is right in the world. 

Remember, I love you. God loves you. you are doing great and amazing things. You are making miracles. 

Right now, you are someones angel - sent straight from heaven.