As the title of this email so indicates, the past few weeks were pretty depressing, but at the same time very fun times. This past week, our Mission President and his wife left the mission, as did Elder and Hermana Foster. But what was cool was that the entire mission got to get together to have 1 last zone conference, and it was so awesome. I saw lots of people that I hadn't seen in ages, like our MTC district, it was so much fun, and kind of crazy seeing how small our mission is. But it was a pretty sad day saying goodbye to the Gallis and the Fosters, I am so grateful that I was able to serve with them here in Spain, and especially grateful to have served in the islands, and later in social media with the Fosters. They are true disciples of Christ, and I can't wait to visit them later after the mission.
And what was awesome was that the Villars were able to make it to Spain! I had a cool experience because we had a virtual zoom conference with the whole mission not too long after their arrival, and even though it was through zoom, I felt like I had known the Villars for a very long time, and that we were already very close friends. I had a very deep love for these 2 people, who I've never met in my life, and have only seen them through a screen. So it was a testimony for me that the Villars are the leaders the Spain Barcelona Mission needs right now, and the Mission President and wife that I need right now. We will be meeting them next week, so super excited to do that!
And, the best day of the year has just gone past us, and well, those of you who know me pretty well, know darn well that I can't keep my mouth shut about America, especially around this time of the year, but, think about this...
A reason why I love the United States so much is because I feel like it is the least I can do to thank all of the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom and my rights. But, another big reason is that without the United States, and especially the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution (which was totally written by God btw go ask Dallin H. Oaks or read 1 Nephi 13, 2 Nephi 1, or D&C 101:80), well the Restoration would not have happened when it happened. Back before the USA was even 13 colonies, people flocked to the new land, including my ancestors, the pilgrims in 1620, looking for religious freedom. During this time in the world, it was one of the only places where this freedom was enjoyed. Come 1776, God had quite the hand when the colonists defeated the most powerful country in the world (1 Nephi 13). But why is that important? With the Declaration and the Constitution, it allowed people to keep enjoying religious freedom, and allowed people to form their own churches. (We know this as results from the apostasy). All these things came together to set up the situation perfectly for when a young boy of 14 years old wanted to know which church of all the churches was true. He prayed, and ultimately through the power of God, restored the true church to the earth. Without the States, I would not have the happiness that I have in my life, that happiness being the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. And that is why I love America, and what it stands for.
But that's enough for today, go read some of those scriptures I mentioned, and think about what role the signing of the Declaration of Independence means to you in your life. Thank you for all the birthday wishes, and I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe July 4th weekend. Love yall!!
Élder Van Wagenen
God Bless America, Viva España (1 Nephi 13:12, tell me under which flag said person "went forth upon the many waters...[to the] promised land. Hint, the guy's name starts with C, and ends in hristopher Columbus.)
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