ATTEND the temple

Well hey there family, friends. I forgot to email last week, but for a good reason! I made a trip up and back in the same day to the Huntsman up in Salt Lake City. I drove up by myself, but Chris and Allie and Renae came down from Brigham City and went to the appointment and dinner after with me! The news is that the scan is clear! I'm excited about it, and I love the word Remission! There have been so many times in the past that I feel like I've said, "Hey, clean scan!" and then the results don't stay that way... but I'm hoping and praying that I'm done with this cancer. There is a young woman in my home ward who passed away last week after fighting for a year with brain cancer. She is strong, she exemplified what a true hero is, and she's a light to all of us. We attended her funeral yesterday, and it kind of hit close to home for me, because I've dealt with cancer, too. Truthfully, the difference between her and I is that Heavenly Father has things he needs me to accomplish here on the earth, and things she needs to accomplish on the other side. My heart breaks because, yeah she is so young (16), but I'm so so so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and this life isn't it. Her services yesterday were amazing. Her family and friends testified of her life and of the gospel and their joy that they can and will see her again. Family is priority. Don't get distracted and put other things before your family! (Mike, we love your family!!!) Well, in mission news, I met with Pres Lunt on Sunday. I've got THREE WEEKS LEFT. Isn't that crazy? I'll be done with my mission on the 18th, and give my Mission Report in church on the 19th. So mark your calendars. :) I can't believe it's already been a year. I would serve in the temple forever if I could, and I'm not trying to be "trunky", but I am excited to move on to bigger and better things- aka marriage. Don't know when, but that's the next step! I have learned so much from life as I've attended the temple so frequently. *********And something I'd like to point out- I feel like I have received SO much inspiration and guidance and insight on the temple and life in the last year, and it's not because of my mission, per se. I don't get to do anything extra than anyone else can do. You are more than welcome to work in the baptistry or cafeteria. The things I learned and noticed happened from just ATTENDING the temple. From going and learning and trying to be like my Savior, I've been spiritually fed. Actually, more like stuffed. Does that make sense? You can learn so much from the temple from just attending. You don't need to be a temple worker to learn a ton. (Although if you have the chance to work in the temple, you should do it.) Mom is doing good. She comes home tomorrow. She's feeling pain as expected, but nothing worse. She is a trooper! Knees are not fun, and once we get past this first little bit, she is going to be a happy camper-- or the happiest camper. I love life and I'm so grateful for my mission and the opportunity that it's given me. When the time came to start thinking about this mission, I thought that I wasn't sure if I should- I couldn't go out on a full-time mission so should I just move on with life, and continue with school and stuff? BUT I AM SO GLAD I CHOSE TO SERVE. This mission has been such a great insight and time for me in my life. Don't pass up any opportunity you have to serve- even if it's just spending a few hours with the missionaries or going with a group to do baptisms for the dead. Have a great week. I seriously love you all! Elder G