Monday, March 7, 2016

We are Christ's People!

3/7/16
Iaorana mes amis et ma famille!
Another week has come and gone, and I am very sad to say that my time here in Tahiti as a full time missionary is very limited. I have a week left and will be making the most out of every minute! My mission has become my life . . . a beautiful life! I already know that it is going to be very hard for me to leave the relationships formed, lifestyle lived, languages spoken, things seen, etc. The good thing, however, is that a mission really never ends. All we have to do is remember. God has allowed us to enjoy this higher plane of living for 18 months of our lives to help us continue a meaningful, effective, and happy life afterwards. 
I love the scriptures found in 2 Nephi 2. In the fifth verse, it explains that we have been given the knowledge between good and evil. As human beings, we have the tendency to choose the good. Since our infancy, this proves to be true. In a study, we learn that when a child is given the option to kiss or hit the person next to them, they will always choose the first of the two options. We have this instinct that will literally help us to our salvation. The good thing that comes with choosing the right is that through these righteous decisions, comes the desire to continue doing good. Little by little our decisions shape our destiny. We can describe this as the light of Christ. It is a gift given to the children of God for our benefit in helping us find and follow the right path in life. As we know, even with our common sense, good desires, and correct motivation to do good . . . our proper works will never be enough. Which is why we were provided with a Savior, someone to fill in the gaps. His atonement saves us. In verse 7 of 2 Nephi 2 we learn that this sacrifice is only given to those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Christ gave his life for those who care. He died for you and for me. He loves us. What a blessing that we are part of His people. When we are doing our best, he will do the rest. Unfortunately, there are others who are still struggling in the darkness. In verse 8 we learn that it is an important responsibility to share this knowledge with the people here on earth. It is through grace that we are saved, but one can only be saved if they cared and loved enough to serve God and follow the example of his son, Jesus Christ during life here on earth. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have had to share this knowledge with the people of Tahiti. My life has been eternally changed, thanks to this service and blessing we call a mission. When I return home, I might not have the the name tag or the authority or the companion . . . but I will have the chance to invite people to know the Christ through my example, through the knowledge that I have gained as a missionary, and through the relationship that I have improved with My Heavenly Father and my Savior. Thank you all for your love and support. Thank you for accepting  me for who I am and helping me to become better! I love you all and will see you soon! 
Love, Soeur Kofford
At Venus Point with the comp! Love Soeur Raherimandimby!
Love love love Soeur Bize!
Reunited!
Temple with our new converts and investigators!