October 12th, 2015 - THE END

All I Needed

I guess that time has come. After two years in France it is my turn to head home. I am so happy and so sad at the same time. I don't even know what to do...haha.

I remember being in the MTC in October. I was such a little kid. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into, but I am so grateful to have made that decision to go on a mission because that is when I truly understood everything that I needed in life.

The mission was really a turning point for me. Before the mission I didn't really know God or why all of this is important but little by little God changed me. I remember seeing so many people give up their lives for the Gospel and I started to realize what the Gospel meant. I saw people's lives change through the Gospel and then I started to see that it was changing mine.

The most important thing that I learned on my mission was the immensity of our Heavenly Father's love for all of us. Everyday I felt his love for me and for His children and through that I found myself out here.

The truth is, is that all I needed was the Gospel. I thought I knew myself and I thought I knew the purpose of life before the mission but it turns out that I was wrong. When I gave up all that I had to God is when I found my life.

I am so grateful for the mission and how it has given me a purpose in this life. I am so grateful for all the people I have met and how they changed my life. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father who gave me this chance to come here to France to share the Gospel.

I know that all we need in life is the Gospel. It changes us and transforms us into something new. I know with all my heart that Jesus Christ did come to the earth to atone for the sins, sicknesses, and pains of all mankind. I know that God and His son, Jesus Christ, love us beyond our imaginations and that they know us personally. I know that this church is true and that God has restored the truth in these latter days. All of this is what we truly need in our lives and I came to know all of this with a surety thanks to these past 2 years. 

I am so excited to see everyone in 3 days! I love you all! Have a great week! See you soon! :D

Elder Evan Peterson

Went hiking with some non-members with us four missionaries! Super legit!