Porter is Coming HOME! (Week 83)

**From Mama Lynda. . . What a whirlwind of a week/weekend! Due to COVID-19 Porter was quarantined to his apartment in Cuiabá starting on Saturday March 21st.  As many of you know, the Church announced over the weekend that all American missionaries serving in South America would be systematically sent home over the next two weeks. So we were gearing up, but certainly didn’t think it would happen THIS FAST! WOW!! Presidente Granja [Porter’s beloved Mission President] called him this afternoon and told him he needs to be at the Cuiabá airport this Wednesday March 25th at 3:00am to catch a flight to São Paulo. From there he will get on one of the Boeing 777 chartered flights going from Sâo Paulo non-stop to Salt Lake City, which means I get to put my arms around my Sunshine this Thursday morning!☀️🥳🎉🥰💗  Since Porter has less than 180 days remaining in his mission, he will be released from his missionary service, not re-assigned.

As I spoke with Porter this morning, and then again this afternoon I couldn’t help but feel tremendous joy. . . and peace!  I take great comfort in knowing that Porter’s genuine excitement comes from knowing that he did not waste one minute of one day since he left for the Brazil Cuiaba Mission on August 21, 2018.  He has no regrets and has learned & grown SO much!  He reminded me that in the blessing he was given when he was set apart as a missionary, that he was to take this mission assignment seriously and to do everything he can to take advantage of every opportunity presented to him.  In his mind that meant don't waste ANY time and stay anxiously engaged, his entire mission. I am humbled by his strength, and determination to seek Heavenly Father’s will in EVERYTHING that he does, and not his own will, which is certainly not always easy.  My tender mama heart is filled with gratitude for his example of humility, testifying with boldness, compassion, hard work, obedience and Christlike love shown to every single person he comes in contact with. . . literally spreading sunshine everywhere he goes!☀️  Porter left home barely an 18 year old boy. . . and is returning a 19 year old MAN!❤️

Porter did not write a group email this week, but he gave me permission to share his final “mom letter” that he sent to me this morning. . .

“Hey mom how are you doing?! We called Sister Granja [Mission President’s wife] this morning to tell her that our washing machine was broken hahah and then she dropped the bomb that I already have to pack my bags today. Who the heck knows when I'll be coming home but it will be soon. I'm sitting here kind of emotional, not to the point of tears, but just thinking. Over these last couple days I have had many moments to reflect on what my mission has done for me. Who I wanna be in my life. What kind of person I want to marry. How hard it really is to stay on the covenant path. All of these things have really weighed on my mind and it has brought me to much prayer. I feel content with my mission. I feel like the Lord will continue to help me feel like my mission was more and more special the more I do my best to stay on the path and consecrate my life to Him. Everything is gonna be absolutely fine, I feel very content and certain about that. Over these last couple days I have thought a lot about how hard it is to live the life we live. To be true disciples of Christ. I discovered a scripture the other day in Hebrews 5:8 that says "Though he were the Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." This scripture really touched me and gives me strength to overcome temptations because Jesus rose to Godhood step by step. I am still super far from being 100% obedient and of that I have no shame. I love you tons mom and am so grateful to have parents like you and pops. <3”

No photos this week.