Final Transfer

Well, this is it. The final transfer of my mission. I've told myself since I arrived in Ohio 2 yrs ago that the time for this moment was so far in the future (and it was at the time😉) but things have gotten so surreal now, and realizing my time in Ohio and as a missionary is coming to an end in a few weeks, I'm beyond grateful to my Heavenly Father in allowing me to serve. Now it's time to finish this race.

Highlights of my week: 

• We were able to teach roughly 40 lessons in these last 9 days, had 8.5 hrs of service (I'll get to that part in a sec ;)). It was such a great week to be serving, teaching, and helping others come into Christ. Such a humbling week for me that miracles and blessings are so evident in our life, we just have to believe.
  
• So Monday morning this week our Ward Mission Leader calls us and asks us to come help him move. He needed to have his POD filled and closed by yesterday (Tuesday) for the company to pick it up to take it to Texas to their new house. We arrived on Monday afternoon and for the next 3 hrs, and then 2 hrs Tuesday morning, we hauled food/boxes/ and 6 400 pound roll top desks up the stairs and out the door. Man it was a workout! I felt like I was on the football field again, throwing tires around. We got it done yesterday though so that was amazing

• We had our mission tour last week with Elder Bassett (2nd counselor in Area Presidency). We talked about the importance of Studying for those we are teaching, and putting our life on the alter of sacrifice. Such a good time. I loved that it taught us all (because it is an essential life skill) that we are to trust and have faith in the Lord's timing and to do our part everyday.
• Miracle in the Library yesterday! We had just barely walked into the library when a lady stops us and says she knew us because we were all dressed up looking nice. She told us she has been needing to get in contact with missionaries for a while, but didn't have a number to call. We got her name, number, and invited her to church this Sunday. Such a tender mercy that the Lord knows where we should be and when we should be there. So cool!!
  
• 🤗 Transfer News🤗 This brought back so many memories to my first 6 weeks and transfers of my mission, with realizing this was my final PBZ and transfer news to receive with me. Lots of emotions in that. BUT, the news is that me and Elder Sanchez are staying together this transfer here in Akron. I'll be serving as District Leader too. I'm so happy to be finishing in such an incredible ward with amazing people. Still crazy this is my 7th area, have so loved all the places I've lived here in Ohio.
  

I just wanted to finish with my testimony. Like I said this week was a very surreal realization to me. I've been reflecting on my mission a lot this week, and wanted to give an invite today. So often in my mission, I've found myself maybe looking back on things I could've done better or should've just done in the first place. I want to invite us all today to put our feet moving forward with the utmost amount of faith, faith unwavering, and not looking back. We will all have regrets, but I think maybe the biggest regret or thing we can do wrong is regret looking on our regrets. Use the Atonement of Jesus Christ to cleanse us, use His loving power to strengthen us when we need it. 

I love, miss, and pray for you guys daily. 😁💛 I am beyond grateful for your love and support while I've been in Ohio, and so excited to finish these last couple weeks with you guys by my side. You all are amazing.

I love you always and forever,

Elder Dylan McEwan