Dallin's final email and testimony

Well, we all know that the time has come. What a great 2 years that have passed by! In this experience of being one of Christ's representatives, I have learned many many things. God has molded me and has made me into the man He wants me to be. It's incredible to see how God can work in one's life. My dad has a phrase "A positive attitude will take you further in life than skill or talent ever will." And I have seen that that is true. Despite the sweltering heat, blisters, days without water in the house, if one has a positive attitude those times will be the best memories that that person can have. I love each and every memory that I now have from serving a 2 year mission. One day I was thinking about my dad's phrase and another popped into my head: "Work Hard, Work Happy." Going along with having a good attitude, if we just get down and dirty with the work and if we do it with a smile, that's when everything is worth it. Just get working, sweat is the key to happiness!!

Being on a mission I have learned many things, but one of the most important would be that of receiving personal revelation. I can remember many very distinct times where I felt lead by the Lord. I have felt His counsel and have been blessed when I have followed it. I know He works with each one of us, one on one. And I'm grateful for the help He constantly gave me.

Before the mission, I had no idea what a good goal was. I didn't even know how to set one. But man has that changed. I can say, with a lot of gratitude, that I reached every goal I put here. Except one, and that goal was to eat 1000 pupusas....I only got 897 :(..... When we put goals, we show the Lord what we want to reach, and that's how He knows exactly how to help us. I saw His help more times than I can count, in reaching my goals. And I know that that skill will help me in the future. 

I want to end with my testimony. I know that this is God's work. He directs it. I participated in the Gathering of Israel and I will continue participating in this work. I know that miracles exist. God loves us, His son lives. The Book of Mormon is a book that has answered all my questions. It has changed my life. I live with the hope to be with my family for forever. It's not just a hope, but a reality, and I want that. I hope to answer my Father in Heaven when that day comes when we will see Him face to face, and tell Him that I consecrated my mission and now it is something very sacred to me. I love this work. I love this gospel. If you feel the same way, I congratulate you. If not, come see why I believe in all these things. Ask me about them. I know that these things are true and I share them in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

For the last time,

Elder Hazelgren