A year and a half later...

July 15th, 2014 I get off the airplane in the Utah airport. In 24 hours I will be in the MTC.

July 16th, 2014 As I enter the MTC a nametag is placed on my chest. I will wear that same name tag for the next year and a half.

August 26th, 2014 Leaving the MTC. Wondering where the time went. Wondering if I'll actually be able to speak the language I've been learning for the last 6 weeks.

August 27th, 2014 We touch down in Argentina at about 9 in the morning. It's windy and cold. I try my first Argentine food. I get a new companion. I start my first day in the mission field. 

August 28th, 2014 until December 14th, 2015 EVERYTHING changes. I change. People I meet change. The members. The less actives. The recent converts. The investigators. The cycle repeats. The power of the atonement, found from many days on my knees, heals old and new wounds, helps me press on. Powerful prayers. Powerful fasts. Many, Many trials. 11 companions. 4 areas. A convert here a convert there, a convert everywhere. The biggest convert? ME. 

 

 

In 4 days I will be with my family in an American airport where the whole world speaks English and finding a public bathroom isn't impossible. 

I don't even know what to write. FIRST and foremost: a HUGE thank you to all who have supported me in such a huge endeavor. To all my family members, whose prayers and words of encouragement have meant more to me than I can express. To all my friends who haven't forgotten me, even though I've been far! To everyone, those I know and those I do not, that have taken the time to read these crazy weekly posts! To my parents, who are the ones who really inspired me to get out here. To my brother Reed, who is going to be one heck of a missionary. To my brother Hyrum, who will have to get on his knees to give me a hug;). To my sister Emilie, who told me to enjoy my "first" mission and to not get sick on the plane;) And to Lucia, The Spaniard addition to the Dickson family;) 

And yes Emilie, to Charly the family dog too;)

 

 

A family in our area lives here

 

The sky today (Monday Dec 14th)

 

 

Thanks to all of you! 

More than even that, I can't begin to voice the gratitude I feel towards my Savior Jesus Christ. He saved me So many times. Was far too patient with me than He should have been. Who carried so many sorrows, wiped away many tears, and taught me that the mission is NOT a sacrifice. I did not give anything or do anything great in going on a mission. I was blessed that He trusted me enough to call me, even with all of my many imperfections and faults. The mission is a great PRIVILEGE. It is the greatest blessing I have ever received. 

The best part? The mission Never ends. Not really. Because Hermana Dickson wasn't just a phase. It was the beginning of a lifelong legacy. 

 

Para todos aca en Argentina, sepan no mas que les amo con Todo mi ser. No puedo expresar mi amor y gratitud hacia a cada uno de ustedes. Estoy dejando una familia muy grande a regresar a casa. SE que estamos en la verdad, y que nos vamos a ver pronto;)

Hermana Dickson, over and out;)