Some of you might have heard the news already...

But for those who haven't, I'M HOME!!!

To keep things short and simple, due to some health issues, mental and physical challenges, and lots of prayer and professional advice, my mission President and the doctors who were able to work with me, came to the conclusion that it would be best for me to be home. 

I received the word that I would be heading out on Friday at 2, and was on my flight to SLC at 8pm that same day. As fast as things happened, I feel that God has helped me with the challenges that I have faced, and has comforted and supported me and my family. 

To let you all know, I'm doing great and my health is improving. 

Now, even though I may have only served for 15 months, there is a scripture that I love that helps me to remember the true meaning of service and why we serve the Lord. 

In Doctrine and Covenants 124:49 we read, 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings." 

For those 15 months that i was able to serve in Concepcion, I know that I served with all my heart, might, mind, and strength, and I know that the work that I did was good, hard, heartfelt work. I feel so happy to be able to say how content I feel with the work that I was able to do there in Chile. The experiences that I had, the knowledge that I attained, the friendships and bonds that I was able to make, and the lives and people that I was able to help and change, will never be forgotten. And I know that the Lord has accepted this offering, and is well pleased with the work that I was able to do. 

I am thankful for my mission President and his wife, Presidente and Hermana Catala, the office couple, Elder and Sister Gibby, for the mission nurses that helped me through all of my health trials, Elder and Sister Meese, and for every missionary that I was able to meet and serve along side with during my mission. I'm so thankful for the opportunity that I had to serve, and for all of the knowledge and experience that I was able to gain in that short time. 

I would like to quickly share my testimony that I know that this church is true, I know that God has restored it through his servant Joseph Smith, and that it is full, complete, and perfect. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, it is the most true book on the face of the earth, and I know that it was translated and given to us by the power of God through Joseph. I know that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, that He lives and that He suffered and died for every one of our sins. I know that our Heavenly father is a loving, caring, and understanding Father, who loves each and every one of us as His special children, no matter who we are or what we do. I know that the Lords work is the most important work on this earth today, and I will continue to build up the Lords kingdom on the earth. I love this Gospel, and I love everything about it. I know its true, and I loved being able to share it diligently for the last 15 months. 

I love you all and I thank you for your love and support. Onto a new chapter in life, as I follow the plan that the Lord has for me. Thank you guys, love you!!!

-Grant C. Lewis