Parables of Paraguay: Saying goodbye to Paraguay!

-This is Alex's last email. We are going to welcome him home in 3 short days to start a new chapter of his life and to say we are excited to see him again is the understatement of the century! What a journey it has been for him, watching him grow and gain confidence and become a great missionary has been one of the most satisfying things his family has ever witnessed. Thanks to family and friends for all the support and love you have shown him!!-

I would just like to express my gratitude for these 2 years I have served the Lord, when I began my mission, many things were not easy, getting used to being with someone 24/7, the food, the schedule, spanish all the time, etc. But I knew that as I would look more for the positive in things, I would learn and enjoy more. I had so many spiritual and special moments, that I can't think of one in specific, but luckily I wrote in my journal every day :) I can't thank my Heavenly Father enough for these 2 years, to be able to be a representative of Jesus Christ, and to serve the people as he would have. I was never perfect like Him, and I'm sure there are many things I could have done better, but I gave it my all, and I will never forget these 2 years. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that anyone that reads it with a sincere heart and asks God if it's true, they can receive a testimony from the Holy Ghost. I know that things will be tough, but if I remember my covenants I can move forward, and I may fall at times, but through the Atonement of Christ, I will get up again.

I have a testimony of the temple, that families can be sealed to be together for the eternities, and that it really is the House of the Lord.

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and it's what I have shared for these 2 years, he suffered and died for each one of us so that we can live with our Heavenly Father again.

I know that through obedience, we really are blessed, there were many times when I questioned a rule of the mission, but living them and following them, I understood why we have commandments, and I understood in the Bible why it says "The truth will set you free"

I love my family and I am excited to be with them again, and to now look towards the future and set more goals to progress and grow more.

I love the people of Paraguay, they are all my brothers and sisters, and I have never met people that are so nice and giving, many opened their doors to the missionaries and I know their lives have been blessed for it.

I know this church is true, I don't have any doubts, and I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that through him the true church of Jesus Christ was restored, we have a prophet and 12 apostles today that lead and guide us. It has been an honor to serve and I will always remember the best 2 years of my life serving as a missionary.

-Elder Spiro