18/18

Wow, I can't believe I'm really at this point, writing my final weekly email. I have absolutely loved my time here in California. It hasn't always been easy, I wasn't always happy, but I would not trade a single second of the past 18 months for anything. Serving a full time mission is unlike any other thing you could do, but it is the best decision you could make for yourself. So if any of you are contemplating going or not, do it. It will change your life.

So how do you sum up the best 18 months? Well, I thought I would do something cheesy like "18 things I learned in 18 months," but then I started making a list and it easily surpassed the number 18 and I couldn't widdle it down. I could probably keep going if I tried but I'll leave it where it's at. So here it is, 18+3 things learned in 18 months!

1. Fasting brings miracles. Every time.

2. We can try again as many times as it takes. Christ's atonement is always available and ready to be used.

3. There are things to learn from every single person you meet.

4. The gospel is the same no matter where you go.

5. There are NO coincidences. God specifically puts us where He wants us at the right time in order to either receive help or help others.

6. I am a child of God. And so are you. He loves us infinitely.

7. We all have talents. At any moment we can decide to work on one and God will readily help us.

8. The Book of Mormon is absolutely true. It can make a difference in life every. day.

9. Mosiah 2:41. "The blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God." Obedience always brings more happiness.

10. The best way to learn to love is to serve.

11. General conference is more exciting than the super bowl (and I love the super bowl) bc God ACTUALLY SPEAKS to a living prophet!!

12. There is nothing more rewarding than sharing the gospel with someone you love or seeing someone you've come to love accept the gospel.

13. You can make a difference up until the very last second.

14. Budgeting is hard but an important life skill to learn (I'm still working on this but I know it's true!)

15. The key to a successful day is meaningful prayer and a made bed.

16. God recognizes us and our efforts even when it feels like nobody else does. He sees us.

17. The hardest sacrifices bring the greatest blessings.

18. There is nothing more beautiful or hopeful than the knowledge that families can be together forever.

19. God speaks to man, through a prophet and individually. He is waiting for you to reach out and listen.

20. The gospel is for e v e r y b o d y. No exceptions.

21. Nothing is impossible when you have Christ on your side.

I can't even begin to describe my gratitude to God for allowing me to serve His children full-time in the great state of California. I love it here more than I can explain. I will never be the same person again because of the experiences I have had and the people that I have met. God truly does know us best, so it is in our best interest to trust Him and learn how to follow the promptings of the Spirit. I love being a missionary. There will forever be a big California-shaped whole in my heart. But despite how sad I am to leave this all, I am more excited to see what God has in store for the rest of my life. I can't wait to figure out how to apply the things that I have learned and become more of the person God wants me to be. 

Thanks to all who have supported me through this and written me encouraging things. I am so grateful for all of you. If you want details on my airport arrival or homecoming talk/open house, send me or my mom and email. I love you all and I will see you next week!

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Galli

scripture of the week: 3 Nephi 5:13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been acalled of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.