The end of an era

 Hola a todos!

I currently find myself writing this email in the good land of the United States of America. Boy is it good to be back. We had quite the adventure returning though. Our flight from Barcelona to Newark was delayed 4 hours, which meant that we were going to miss our connecting flight from Newark to Denver. United apparently felt bad and they got us a hotel for the night, so Elder English and I had a fun night in Newark, and we got back a day late. But I will say seeing the large 12x20 American flag in the Newark airport brought some very moving feelings.

It is still pretty hard to believe that my mission has come to an end. And this past week has been a very weird week of trying to adjust to not being a missionary anymore. I am so grateful for my mission, and I wouldn't change it a bit. Not where I served, when I served, or who I served with, And that's what I love about missions, the Lord calls us to a certain place at a certain time, and custom tailors missions to the individual. And that is how I feel about my mission. The people I met and taught, the companions I served with, and members I met, were all put in my path because the Lord saw it fit. I am forever grateful for my mission, and I know that it has left a long-lasting effect on my life.

For those of you who read my emails, thank you. It really means a lot to me that I had friends and family back at home that were aware of me and that supported me, and I hope my adventures in España weren't too boring. Unfortunately, this will be my last email, however, I do hope to remain in frequent contact with you all. I will not be using this email address anymore, so I will drop my updated contact information down at the bottom.

But if there is anything that the mission taught me, it taught me that our Savior, Jesus Christ, lives. He really did rise from the tomb the 3rd day and has his arms extended out to every single one of us with the invitation to come unto Him. He lives, and He is actively leading His church here on the earth through a modern prophet, Russell M. Nelson. The best way to live this life is by letting Him lead and guide us, and as we follow the commandments and His teachings, we are not only happy but blessed exceedingly. (Mosiah 2:41)

Thanks y'all for joining me on this ride, have a wonderful week!
Hermano Van Wagenen
Viva España God Bless America