The End

I know it's been a while, but after being home from China a little over a month, I've finally been able to gather my thoughts. 

One of the main reasons for serving an LDS mission is to change lives. I did not serve a mission. I did not share the gospel. But lives were most definitely changed, the most important of which was mine. 

Before China I was sheltered. I live and thrive in the Mesa,AZ bubble. The only time I ventured out of my comfortable bubble was to go to BYU in Provo,UT... another bubble. 

I bubble hopped. 

China opened my eyes. I dined with some of the richest families, I gave money to beggars on the streets. I walked through the big cities and laid eyes upon the most beautiful country sides. I saw a country with little freedoms, while I obtain all the freedoms in the world. 

I once believed nothing mattered besides me and what happened in my world. If he broke up with me, my world was over. I got 300 likes on instagram, what greater things does life even have to offer? 

China proved me wrong, and I was humbled. 

But what humbled me most was living in a world where my religion was not even heard of, let alone legal. Here I was with all my knowledge of God and eternal life and the plan of salvation, not being able to share it. It pained me. It pained me because I loved the people I met. My first graders were all I thought about for four months. They were mine, they were my kids. All I wanted to do was offer them a life of bliss through the gospel. And I totally would if I didn't think we would all end up in a cell! 

Overall, my testimony was strengthened. I finally understand why each commandment is essential to live by, why each principle is important. I know that God loves each of his children. I know prophets and apostles are filled with words from God. I know that regardless of where we grew up, what we understand about His church, or even what religion we are, everything will work out in the end, Someday China will open to the church and believe me, these people are more than ready. I patiently (actually no I don't) for that day. 

My experience with ILP has shaped me and anyone wondering about the program or whether they should go on an adventure like mine, feel free to email me at tay.janae.turley@gmail.com

Zàijàin!

[Here is me and my kids on our last day!]
This was before all the tears

PS I will be continuing my blog so follow along if you want!