September 13, 2021
It pains me to say that this was my last week as a missionary. We had a general authority (Elder Bassett) visit the mission all week, and Elder Call and I were in charge of the technology. I could probably write a whole email about all the miracles, struggles, and work that went into that. Maybe that's a story for another day. We picked up my replacement, Elder Wolfgramm, and have been training him on some things before I go. It has been an absolute blast being in a trio with them. I reflected a lot this week on the past 2 years and the things I have learned. I want to make a brief summary of my mission and say what I learned from each of my areas and companions! It will probably be boring for you, but it's mostly just for me to write down some thoughts to look back on one day haha.
Mexico MTC - Elder Martin
I learned spanish, kinda. Elder Martin has also taught me a lot about friendship and loyalty. He is SUCH a good friend. I am still learning from him every day because we talk all the time.
Richmond Hill, Queens - Elder Stanford & Elder Larson
Elder Stanford taught me how to do missionary work, how to eat healthy, and helped me LOVE the work. He was the best trainer in the world, no joke. Elder Larson taught me obedience and hard work, and showed me that I can actually do hard things. I think I learned the most from Elder Larson out of anyone in my mission!
Olmstead, The Bronx - Elder Goodman, Elder Chavez & Elder Fullmer
Elder Goodman was an answer to my prayers and is like my best friend. Our first day together was the first day of being quarantined, and I felt extremely blessed to be stuck in our small apartment together. I learned that God answers prayers and knows/hears me, and that I can hear Him if I am still (which wasn't too hard to do in quarantine). With Elder Chavez, I developed a lot of love for God and reached a point where I loved God more than I love myself. That love made the rest of my mission significantly easier because I was motivated for the right reasons. We also had tons of fun. Elder Fullmer was only there for like 3 weeks, but he came from Mexico and I realized how blessed I am to be in the best mission ever. My time in The Bronx is so sacred to me!!! I love that place and had some incredible experiences.
Harlem, Manhattan - Elder Davis, Elder Hale & Elder Wooley
Elder Davis and I grinded. Elder Hale... I learned a lot about accountability and discipline, like doing the right thing when no one is looking because I love God. Elder Wooley is my favorite person on Earth. He was also a huge answer to my prayers, and we saw so many miracles. I think I was the happiest on my mission when I was with Elder Wooley in Harlem. I cried when I got transferred if that says anything about how much I loved Harlem & Elder Wooley.
White Plains, Upstate - Elder Taylor
I learned that I don't like car areas and missed the city haha. Elder Taylor taught me to love! He is the nicest person on Earth and was a great example. Not going to lie, even though he was incredibly nice, it was hard for me to love him. But I figured out how to forget myself and overlook our differences and now I am so happy when I see him.
New Rochelle, Upstate - Elder Webb
While I was with Elder Webb, I was a new AP and knew I had to eventually train the new mission President. I was really stressed and not doing great, mentally haha. We both made lists of things we were grateful for, and it totally changed everything for us. We practiced gratitude every day. I also learned that praying WITH a notebook and pen invites inspiration, which I needed in order to help lead the mission. Elder Webb was an example to me of consecration to the Lord.
Inwood, Manhattan - Elder Money
Elder Money and I moved mountains together. What did we NOT do? We spent almost every second of every day with President and Sister Holmes, training them and learning from them. This was my favorite part of my mission! I could write a novel just about this experience.
Lincoln YSA, Manhattan - Elder Call
I wasn't technically assigned to serve in the YSA ward, but we knew that the AP's would eventually get transferred to that ward, so we secretly found YSA people and went to their church because it was easier than going to Inwood. That's a long story. Anyway, Elder Call and I worked soooo hard. I grew my love for temples and eternal families. I cried a lot with Elder Call because I loved my mission and I don't want it to end.
My mission has changed my life. My testimony of Jesus Christ has strengthened so much and I have learned so many things that will benefit me and my future family for eternity. I am so grateful I got to serve, and especially in the best city in the world. I get to pick up 31 new missionaries from the airport today, and they have no idea how lucky they are to come into this mission! I love New York and I love Jesus Christ!
Love you all! See you on Wednesday. 
- Elder Webster
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