The Homecoming

It's so good having him home!!!

About three months ago I had a thought. It was one of those "nope that is crazy, forget it," kind of thoughts. I quickly brushed it aside, but it kept coming back. The thought was regarding speaking on my mission in my home ward. It was something that I wanted to do, but didn't think I was ready to do. Obviously the Lord thought otherwise because he kept prompting me to do something about it.

I knew that my little brother was going to be coming home soon, and the thought crossed my mind a time or two that I should suggest to him that we should speak together. It took me a couple weeks to build up the courage to talk to him about it, and when I finally did I hoped that he would say he didn't want to. I snuck the question in at the very bottom of my weekly email to him....hit send and nervously waited for his response the next morning. This was his reply:

THAT IS A GREAT IDEA!!! Oh my gosh that would be so awesome. That would be an unforgettable experience to be able to speak the same day as you. Love you! 

I was shocked, surprised, excited and mostly nervous! Before I could chicken out I sent a quick message to our bishop asking his opinion/permission, and a little over a month later we ended up speaking together!

Family picture after the festivities! Even Lucky joined in!

I have to be honest and say it was an incredible experience. It was one of those times when I knew the Lord was using me as a tool in His hands. I was completely exhausted from being a counselor at a EFY type youth conference, I didn't have a chance to really write anything to speak about, and yet was able to share what I felt like I needed to share. I was extremely nervous when I woke up that morning, and still don't remember exactly what I talked about, but I do recall that I felt an amazing feeling of peace. I can only pray that what I shared will help others who have to go through a similar experience. I'm so grateful to all who came to support us, and to those who shared with me how much our words meant to them.

The Lord works in mysterious ways, and I am learning each and every day more about who He needs me to become. Things haven't gotten any easier since I was released from my mission...in fact I'd say they've just gotten harder, but I wouldn't trade what I have learned, and am learning, for anything. I'm grateful to have the knowledge of the gospel that I have. I could not survive a day without the help of my Savior.

If you are interested in listening to our talks you can find audio versions here!
Lindsay's Talk
Brian's Talk

Also if you know anyone who has returned early from their mission here is a link to the group I talked about in my talk.

And as a bonus...one of my favorite pix from the airport :) I'm sure grateful for my cousins!