#18 Jan 2025– My departing testimony of gratitude

My name is Sister Kennan, and I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is the Great King Immanuel who stands today on the right hand of His Father.

It is here — our final month in CASRM—the California Santa Rosa Mission. It has dragged quickly by or another way of saying it—the days are long the weeks and months fly by.

There have not been many days that I have not questioned the reason for staying. It was Satan’s ploy of course— working on my lack of self confidence and self doubts. “You are not qualified,” his imps would whisper. “You should just go home. You’re not accomplishing anything. You are not acceptable or ‘enough’. You could be home serving. You are not qualified.” — on and on. I have fought to not be ‘Lot’s wife’— looking back and longing to be there—in my comfort zone of the familiarity of space, surroundings, friends and family. I heard the call to serve and I have stayed; buoyed up by my faith in Jesus Christ, my personal Savior; righteous friends, missionaries, and my eternal companion—-Elder Kennan. I am grateful!

I’m grateful for a bishop who was inspired to offer the invitation to serve. I’m grateful for a daughter who agreed to take care of our home and our cat 🐈‍⬛ while we’ve been gone. I’m grateful for this beautiful place where we have lived. I’m grateful for the friendships we have made with the Senior and the Junior missionaries and ward friends. I’m grateful for the safety while traveling. I’m grateful for the support and love of family and friends. I’m grateful to have been able to see how much the Lord loves missionaries—his emissaries. I’m grateful for this gospel of Jesus Christ which has been restored to the earth in these latter days; for the The Book of Mormon, the prophet Joseph, Emma, his beloved wife, and all who helped bring this glorious work to pass.

I’m most grateful for Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice in my behalf. Thank you Heavenly Father for this and all of the blessings of being here—-too innumerable to name.

Now— as the weeks pass; I’ll try to show you our mission life— week by week.

Week 1 January 2025

The week stated out with a new year and apartment inspections.

We also saw Elders Latham and Brown— they were having one of those hard days- having been sick. I said a prayer for them as I left.

We had our office planning meeting to get ready for transfer week and new missionaries coming in.

Saturday was the icing on the cake—we went to the Feather River Temple with Sisters Brockbank & Loosli. Sister Brockbank worked on the glass work for the temple before her mission. She obtained permission from President Quinn to visit the temple since she was finishing her mission and going home.

January Week 1 was amazing even though we have started ‘our lasts.’