from Noémi

2 years
24 months
730 days
17.520 hours
1.051.200 minutes
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Dear Stefan,

Today is your farewell. Usually saying goodbye is something sad, but right now I’m just so happy for you. Yes, it’s going to be 2 hard-working years, but the mission will shape you like nothing else can at home.

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I feel blessed to know the missionaries and the church. My life has completely changed since 2 elders walked through my door. I never knew the happiness they brought to my life. So in the name of every investigator, especially the Russian ones, I’d love to say thank you for going on that journey. You sacrifice so much sometimes without immediate reward, but if you can change only one life, it’s well worth it.
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Now, I’d like to share my experience with the missionaries as an investigator, perhaps it will help you a bit.
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1. Count those who were and not those who could have been interested.
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2. Consider your mission as an important chapter in your life and not as a detour. Enjoy every single minute. Your family loves you and will wait for you. Until then so many people will love you as a member of their family.

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3. Your worthiness doesn’t depend on others’ behavior and decisions.

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4. Just talk, talk and talk. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You will be the first one to speak the language fluently.

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5. It is a privilege to invite missionaries to our home. You leave happiness and light behind.
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6. Bring as many investigators to baptisms as you can. I have never met anyone who didn’t cry for the first time, including me. Life-changing experience.

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7. Be there and be open when they need your help. I know they will.

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8. Investigators will want to know a lot much about you, your family and your country. But they love to share their culture as well. Ask them. Talking about these things is so much fun and a great way to learn.

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9. Family photo is a must. Every investigator is so excited about it. And your beautiful family will be a huge hit.

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10. Don’t be discouraged when nothing seems to work. You have already planted little seeds. They will blossom one day.

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+1 If you can, play the piano or sing hymns, you will be the coolest missionary ever.

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Be funny, happy and yourself. Help as many as you can. You made an important decision and you will be an exceptional missionary.
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Let me finish with my strong testimony on missionary work.

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I know it is important.
I know the church wouldn’t be the same without it.
I know it can change lives.

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I know the verse below is TRUE:
Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

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Good luck, Elder Lehnardt!
May God be with you,

Noémi

April 19, 2013
April 25, 2013

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11 Comments

  1. Annie

    April 23, 2013

    Oh, I love this. Chills.

  2. Lisa

    April 23, 2013

    Simply speechless…love every photo and every word.

  3. k

    April 24, 2013

    what an incredible post. my eyes are teary as i imagine him doing this work. i have never met him (nor anyone in your family) but the spirit is felt most strong in this post. he is going to so so great! ♥

    p.s. i just LOVE the pin board, was that a gift or another one of your incredible ideas??? it’s a great idea, more on that please!

  4. Christie

    April 24, 2013

    Beautiful letter, photos, and hearts. Love.

  5. ellen

    April 24, 2013

    every missionary should read this post! it’s beautiful.

  6. Chocolate on my Cranium

    April 24, 2013

    Noemi, such a poignant testimony to share with Stefan {and us!}.

  7. Kim

    April 24, 2013

    Best of luck to Stefan. I hope you will post about his adventures!

  8. Tracy

    April 24, 2013

    Crying. Beautiful. xo

  9. Alison

    April 24, 2013

    Such wise, beautiful words.

  10. Cath

    April 25, 2013

    Um, bawling. That verse from Hebrews did it. Noemi, you are such a noble soul. And Michelle, these photos capture the beauty of all you have done over the years to prepare Stefan. He is so blessed to take you with him in his heart. xo

  11. Kayci

    May 1, 2013

    This is such a beautiful letter.
    I love your blog, Michelle, and don’t usually comment but just admire from a distance. I decided too, because I know a missionary headed to Budapest, Hungary. I am going to tell her about your blog, hopefully that is okay.
    Thank you for sharing a glimpse in to your beautiful family and life.

Comments are closed.