Mission Time

It feels so surreal. I’m finally a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I’ve been planning on this and looking forward to it for as long as I can remember. Now it’s here. Last night I was set apart by the stake president. It was an amazing experience; one I hope I’ll never forget.

I don’t have much time, but I would like to say a few things in the time I do have.
First, I would like to thank my friends. Thank you for supporting me in this, and for being there to offer wise words of comfort and advice. I get the feeling that my friends would be willing to do anything for me. And I would be willing to do anything for them. Thanks to all of you for the fun times we’ve shared, all the late nights, all the inside jokes, and all the laughs. I love you all.

Second, I would like to thank my girlfriend of 19 months, Monica. Words can’t even describe how I feel about you. We’ve been through a lot together, and our friendship has grown stronger and deeper. You really are my best and closest friend. This song I found has been the anthem of my life for the last little while, and it does a good job of portraying my feelings at this point in my life. Monica has already heard it, but for the rest of you, here it is:



It really has been a wonderful life, thanks to you, Monica. Thank you for all you’ve given me, and all you’ve been willing to share.

Last and definitely not least, I would like to thank my family, including my new brother-in-law, Christopher. It’s been fun. I love how we can laugh together about anything, and how we can talk about things. Last night after my setting apart, the family stuck around and we played Pandemic (a family favorite) and talked and shared experiences. There is no other way I would rather have spent my final night at home. Thank you all.

I will miss all of you. I will be focused on my mission work, but I will take some time to remember everyone, and I hope you will all do the same for me. My contact information is on my Facebook profile page, in the “Basic Information” section. Please write me! I would love to hear from all of you. Also, I think my sister Marissa will be keeping a missionary blog for me. You can view it here. I expect great things. ;)

Lastly, I would like to share another piece of music. This hymn has given me great comfort over the last little while. The Lord has everything planned out for each of us, and just because we don’t know how things are going to work out, doesn’t mean they won’t.



Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.


Farewell to all. May God watch over you.

-Elder Giles