Ein Ende... aber neue Anfänge .....Week 17 in Rosenheim

You don't know how tempted I was to send this email as a simple "See you Friday" message and leave it at that... I figured though that I would have been digging myself a pretty good hole with that one... So I'll write something instead! I guess this is it eh? Its like... its a topic you talk about every now and then, but its never real. Now its actually here and I'm like... an emotional mess. One minute happy, 5 later sad, 5 later excited, 5 later frustrated, 5 later... and it goes on and on. Its weird! Its like... You always talk about how cool it will be at the pool, jumping off the high dive... its easy to talk about when you aren't at the pool. Then the day comes when you go with your friends... Still ok to talk about. Now I'm climbing the stairs... getting real now... and then all of a sudden I'm at the edge of the board and I have to go forward now... Its to that point in my mission. It has all become real. Kinda have to jump now. Its a lot scarier than I had thought... And I have to leave this all here! I cant take it with me! AHHH!

I started in Ellwangen, Germany. Spent a solid 7 months there. Headed to Wiener Neustadt in Austria for 7 more months, then 5 1/2 months in Klaggenfurt, Austria. To close I made it back to Germany and have spent 4 months in Rosenheim. Its been a journey eh?

I'm not very good with words, so I can't really give a big exciting speech here about how awesome it all was. I can say that my Mission was awesome. It has showed me who I am and who I can become, my weaknesses and struggles and where I seem to be well off. I've learned about change and how that really can happen on a permanent scale. This all because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

All in all... The Gospel is worth it! I was able to give a closing testimony for the ward in Church on Sunday, and I'd like to share what I shared there.

After Christ appeared to the Nephites, we learn the lasting effects of living the Gospel. The Gospel is the only way to bring unity to a fallen people. 4 Nephi 1:15-17 says...

"And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God. There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God."

They were all one, united in purpose and faith and there was no contention in the land. It was happy because they lived the Gospel. They couldn't have been happier. Thats what the Gospel can do. We just have to let it.

President Packer of the 12 said: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”

It just comes down to living the Gospel and learning how to apply it. I've learned the importance of that! And I hope to be able to continue on that path and to do that more!

I have Tuesday and Wednesday then its off to Munich Thursday and then Friday I fly home. 14 Hours in the air... please... that's not making it any easier to go home... But I guess flying is cool!

This last week was also awesome. A week with ups and down... what else could it be. We got out hiking with a man I met my first day here It was awesome. I absolutely love this place. My mission is absolutely the best. Its so awesome looking back on all the people and all the time I spent with them. I have come to love it. The German language is so great! I love it! I'm gonna do all I can to keep it up! So many ups and downs to leaving... and coming home. I dont know how its gonna go! Lets see eh!

I know its true though, the work we are doing! That's for sure. It's a must do! The best work to be involved in for sure! And I'm looking forward to putting the words of President Harold B. Lee to the test... when he said... “The most important of the Lord’s work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes.”

Bring it on. I was talking to a member on Sunday... he said to me.. Well you're done with this Mission, but you know what your next Mission is ;) BRING IT ON!

I'm looking forward to a new start. Its so weird!!!!! But like... I dont know...

I guess all I can say at this point is...

SEE YOU ON FRIDAY!!!

I love you all so much! Thanks for the wonderful support. It plays a huge role in the life of a missionary. Thank you all!

See yall!

TSCHÜß!!

Love...

Elder Rodgers!!! <3 <3