Returning With Honor: I'm Home!

 So much heat. So much water. 

A lot has happened in the last week and I want to be open and clear with all of you. I am returning home early from my mission. In fact, I have only been out about two and a half months of my expected eighteen month mission. First of all I want to assure you that I have done nothing wrong and that this decision was not an easy one to make or to accept. There were many conversations between my mission president, his wife, my bishop, my doctors, my stake president, and me. This whole process was also overseen by God, my Heavenly Father. I love all these people dearly and their counsel has been invaluable in these past few weeks as this decision has been made.

Because I also love you all dearly I would like to explain some of these conversations and things that have happened in the past few weeks. I hope you will understand my perspective and support me in this transitory time.

As most of you know, I have anxiety. I have been working with this condition for several years and I was cleared by my doctor to go on a mission. Though I have had my anxiety under control for quite a while, the new environment and stresses of my mission have brought to light many unresolved aspects of my anxiety. A few days ago I met with a counselor who helped me to identify and clarify some of these issues.  He, as well as a few other medical professionals, helped me to come to the conclusion that at this time the safest and healthiest place for me to be is home with my family where I can focus on developing plans and getting the medical attention that I need. I will soon be released from my calling as a full time missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but this does not mean that I will stop serving Him or the people around me. I am still the same person with the same desires, I just need to spend some time learning to stand firmly on my own two feet before I am able to most successfully help others to do the same. It was made very clear to me that I may have the opportunity to serve a full time mission in the future, but for now that is not my calling. 

President Youngblood, his wife, and my comp 💕

I have spent a lot of time in prayer to my Heavenly Father and I have received assurance that my missionary service was needed in Las Vegas the past few months, even if it was only for a short time. I have also received an assurance that at this time I need to be back in Washington with my family.

I want you to know that the time I have spent in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission has been very precious to me. The people I have met have made such an impact on my life and I hope to have made an impact on theirs. I can assure you that over the last few months I have served God and my Savior with all of my "heart, might, mind, and strength." As I return home, I want you all to be assured that I will continue to serve my God, just in an environment where I am also able to learn to be a productive and healthy person.

I love you all so much and I ask again for your support. If you have any questions, comments, want to know about some of my experiences as a missionary, or anything else please feel free to contact me.

Also, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you!

Love always,

Shannon :)