A Builder in His Kingdom!

Bula Vinaka! 

I never thought the day would come. The day I would write my last weekly email from Fiji. As a Missionary. Crazy. And I kind of just don't know what to say. Except that it has been wonderful. And Life Changing. And the best 19 Months of my life. And I just wish I could put it all in this email. And it still doesn't feel real that I'm going home this week. Mostly because this week has been SOOO BUSY! 

Here's a little bit of what we've been up to this week...... We went on exchanges in Samabula! Flash back to the past! And I got to be with one of my favorite Kiribati sistas! Sista Itioa! And I did a District Meeting training on grace (which probably helped me more than anyone else), then the next day we had the opportunity to participate in the Sister Training Leader Seminar and I presented a few trainings on Time Management, Exchanges, and Maintaining Your Area. And it was just so fun to reflect on all the things I learned and experiences I had as a Sister Training Leader. And then to finish off the week strong, we had a Ward Missionary Activity! A movie night complete with popcorn and "The Testaments" Friday night, then a sweet Book of Mormon workshop on Saturday that turned out to be SO fun.

Also, I don't think I've ever eaten so much food in my life. That's one thing about leaving the islands..... you eat a TON! But that's ok. Because it's delicious. And here in Fiji... FOOD = LOVE. :) 

I tore apart another delicious talk this week. It was Elder L. Tom Perry's Talk entitled Be the Best of whatever You Are. SO GOOD! And this one part that I read helped me to feel just a little bit less heart broken about taking this name tag off.......

 "Each day since the restoration of the gospel there has been greater opportunities for service in the church than there was the day before."  (*insert BIG sigh of relief)

That makes my heart so warm and happy inside because that is one of my deepest desires! I can't wait to keep serving and building and strengthening and sharing! For the rest of my life! I'll be whatever HE wants me to be and serve however HE wants me to serve. And I stand with Elder Perry when he said.... 

"Next to my family, the most rewarding experiences in my life have been Church service opportunities." .......

and ......"I give you my witness that I know by personal experience that, the more you serve the Lord, the greater are His blessings to you.  There is no greater joy than being a builder in his kingdom. I challenge you with all of the great power and potential that is within you to be the best of whatever you are!"

I will forever, forever, and FOREVER be grateful for these 19 months. These 19 months of tears and smiles! Of Struggles and Triumphs! Of learning and growing. I know that everything I did in the 21 years before my mission prepared me to be "a builder in His kingdom" here in Fiji. And the incredible experiences I've had here, have molded me into the "Builder in His Kingdom" that He wants me to be. For the rest of my life! I can't wait to keep serving. And keep building. FOREVER! I LOVE being a missionary. And although I dread the moment in the near future when I will take off this beloved badge, I'm grateful that the serving doesn't stop here. :) 

Loloma Levu, 

Sista Matheson :)

 On Exchanges with Sister Kaititi's cute family!

 THE KHANNA FAMILY! I miss them so much! 

 My project for the last 12 weeks. Some of the recent convert letters I've written! And some still to go! #handcrampsfordays

 Some of my SISTAS!

 STL Seminar! :) 

 My adorable daughter! I'm gonna miss her va'a levu SARA!

 Joeli and his family are the sweetest! They surprised me with a big huge farewell feast complete with a "Farewell Sister Matheson" cake! I just love them to pieces! 

 Preparing sandwiches, sandwiches, and more sandwiches for our Book of Mormon open house activity! 

I'm gonna miss ELDA ARTHUR! I'm glad I got to be in his district for one day. Even if it was only on exchanges!

 Isa Naomi! Our companion! I love her! :) 

 Sister Solanki is so kind and surprised us with PEACH COBBLER after our correlation meeting! YUM!

 Hiona drew me the cutest Fiji picture and even laminated it for my farewell present! COOLEST 10 yr. old EVA! 

Abby and Sister Kesa and I on the ride home! She's also our best friend.