Final Thoughts

Jared’s Mission November 19^th, 2017

Final Thoughts:

I am happy with the service I was able to do.  I am looking forward to moving on with the next chapter of my life.  I am going to continue on doing most everything that I did on my mission except for the Bishops storehouse and Deseret Industries.  It’s going to be fun practicing my teaching skills to help my mom learn how to index.  And it will be fun for us to go to the Temple weekly when we can. 

I enjoyed getting to meet lots of new people at the Bishop’s storehouse and the Deseret Industries and being able to talk to them and get to know them better.  I think that’s what I will miss most.  I was the youngest person on my shift to work at the DI. 

At the Family History Center it’s always interesting to hear about their trips as they are trying to find names and information on family members.  They take trips to Scotland and Ireland and other places in Europe to try and find info about their ancestors.  I really find indexing to be interesting work.  All those I worked with were very kind and helpful.

I loved having my own one on one time with my Mom when we went to the Temple each week.  That was my favorite thing to share with her.  It was good to be able to help those that have passed to the other side.  And afterwards, Mom and I would get a dinner treat, either at the Temple or somewhere else we were craving.

I enjoyed getting to know the different missionaries that came and went from our ward.  We would sometimes go out to find people who wanted to learn about the Gospel.  Other times we would help people in need by doing lawn work, pulling weeds, and carrying off old fences to be built with new ones.  I plan to keep going out with the missionaries when I’m able.

Friday I will continue to work with the Gentleman in my ward that needs extra help.  I cleaned out his garden for the winter.  We also did some maintenance on his barn, and I helped clean out a small area of cow manure.   I am happy I get to continue working with him. 

Next Fall I plan on entering the BYUI Pathway program to continue on with my college degree.  And in the near future, possible getting a job at the Forest Grove Goodwill, or we might try the Gaston Library.

I encourage those who may not be able to serve in the traditional way to consider a Young Church-Service Mission.  It was worth every second of the time I spent with those people.  They all helped me to learn and grow, and I made new and great friendships.  There is a mission out there for everyone.  I know this church is true and I’m happy to be a part of it!

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Elder JJ Markham

PS.  Final notes from Mom:  

We are all so very proud of JJ and the way he worked hard without complaining about the task ahead.  He served his mission with valor and heart.  He never wanted to be late to an assignment, and tried his best every time.  I know those who got to work with him, could feel his love for the Gospel and Jesus Christ, and the love his family has for him.  He will go on to accomplish great things!  We will stand in awe of him once again, and try and stay out of his way, or help where we can, to help him reach his highest potential!  He is a special Spirit of our Heavenly Father that proved himself worthy in his pre-earth life before he came to this Earth.  And we are forever thankful to JJ for choosing us and for Heavenly Father for sending him to our family.  It would not be complete with him.  He makes us laugh, cry and rejoice when we accomplish a task!  He loves celebrating our accomplishments just as much as we love celebrating him!  Thank you for going with us on this journey and for all the love and support he felt from each of you to get him through it!  Go JJ! GOOOOO!