Week 72: To the most amazing parents in the world!

Mom & Dad,

On my 5 hour train ride this morning I had a lot of time to think about my mission and all of the amazing experiences I've had. With Thanksgiving coming up, I've been trying to reflect on all of the many blessings I have received over the past 17 months. Secondary to the growth in my relationship with God & Jesus Christ, is the growth in my relationships with you two. I cannot even begin to describe how much I love you. I am amazed at how lucky I am to have you as my parents, my best friends, and my biggest cheerleaders through life. I have grown to become even more grateful for you both as I have been serving the mission. I think back on the person I was 3 years ago and it's hard for me to recognize that girl. I was not my happy, funny and cheerful self. I was so self consumed that I seemed to abandon my relationship with you guys and with God. I can't even imagine how hard that must have been. When both my heavenly parents and my earthly parents were trying to help me but I wasn't accepting of the help. I just want to thank you for sticking with me, not giving up on me, always loving me even when I didn't feel worthy of your love. For helping me to turn to Jesus Christ, the master healer. It's beautiful to look at where we are now and how much our relationship has grown. It's crazy because even though I'm 6,000 miles away from my family, I've honestly never felt closer or more connected to you guys. Thank you for your endless amount of prayers, your fasts, your emails, your packages, your LOVE. I've never met two people so full of love. More than anything, thank you for teaching me the gospel! For raising me with family home evenings and Liken the scripture movies. For teaching me how to talk to adults and look them in the eyes! For letting me make mistakes so that I could learn from them and grow my faith. For forcing me to give sacrament talks! For teaching me that I am a child of God. For making me get all As in school! Seriously, everyday I am able to see in myself the things that you have instilled inside of me. I love the first verse in the book of mormon when Nephi gives a shout out to his parents,

"I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God,"

Nephi was only Nephi because of his parents! He could not have known God without first being taught by his faithful parents! It reminds me of my patriarchal blessing which tells me that my parents are tutoring me for the responsibilities to come. And that my legacy of church service, firm testimonies and devotion will help me in serving my brothers and sisters. I want you to know that I can feel this legacy helping me everyday. I can hear your guys teachings and I remember your counsel. I try to love others the way that you have shown me to do, by helping them see who they are in God's eyes.

I love you so much and I can't wait to give you the biggest hugs in just 9 weeks!

Mads