Tica in Costa Rica: GRIT

I'm going down to my grave...

Hello!

I cant believe this is my last email as a set apart missionary. :) This has been the most incredible adventure of my life.

This last week was amazing and we gave it all our hearts. Now I'm in San Jose with los otros muertos (the other dead, that's what they call the missionaries who are going home! hahaha.) These next few days we can go work in other areas and we have a special dinner and testimony meeting, and we get to go to the temple on Wednesday.

I usually write a novel because sometimes its really hard to express all the feelings that you're feeling in one email but I'd like to just write my simple testimony because in the end, all I have is my testimony and a whole country full of lifelong friends.

I know with all my heart that God lives and is our loving Heavenly Father. He knows us and He is our Creator. I know that Jesus Christ is the son of God and our Redeemer. I know that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ restored through Joseph Smith, and the fullness of the gospel and His priesthood authority is here in His church. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. The priesthood is real. Faith is the key to everything. Even in the times that we feel that the world is ending, at that last moment, God comes and rescues us. I know this is true.

I love my mission with all my heart. I love this country and these people. I will miss them dearly. Its going to be weird that I'm going to be Erika instead of Hermana Hubler. Oh how I love being called Hermana.

A mission is not easy, but I will never ever regret serving because it is the most sacred and special thing I've ever done. I KNOW that everything will be okay. I really feel happy because happiness is a choice. The Lord gives us a beautiful life of service in every season of our lives. Maybe my time in Costa is ending, but I have given my heart and I will keep going.

You know what the key to success is? (I learned this the other day in a leadership council with president) GRIT. Just taking life head on with happiness and perseverance. I will miss walking with the name of Jesus Christ on my chest, but the truth is that I will always wear his name because it is a covenant I've made to serve him and take upon His name when I was baptized.

Yesterday I said a prayer that I would be able to say goodbye to everyone, and that I would be strong and the Lord answered my prayer. I got to hug each person and express my love. You know one thing I am going to miss? Tico hugs. They give tight hugs to everyone. It was a pleasant experience, and I didn't cry because I know that we will keep in touch.

Today in the morning Yazmin made us baleadas for breakfast and it was really speciall. And now I'm in San Jose with my best friends! I had my interview with president - I'll have to fill you in because he gave me some incredible advice.

I want to thank you for writing me, supporting me, praying for me. I hope you know that I have prayed for you as well. I am so happy to return and hug you all and continue the journey!

DAME ESTE MONTE! CON FE EN CADA PASO!!!!!!!

Give me this mountain! With Faith in Every Footstep!

Los amo.