Advice From a Dear Friend

I have debated on whether or not to keep up the emails. My decision has come to this. I'm going to keep up this blog, but I will not be writing the weekly emails until I get back out. It just makes sense to me.
Also, I have found since coming back there are many who have returned early from their mission. And I mean a plethora of multitudes. There seems to be an immediate camaraderie. No further introduction is needed. It doesn't matter where you served or for how long. The struggle is mutual.
I have also found that there is a great need an longing for support. Just as prospective missionaries scour the internet for mission blogs, combing for any tidbits of advice, I want to have this blog to be a source for those who have to deal with coming home early, whatever the reason may be. If we are being completely honest with ourselves, we need all the support we can get.
Nothing can describe it. Just as you can explain to someone what a mission is like who has never had the experience, you can't explain coming home early. The morning processes is much greater. The struggle becomes more a battle which in turn becomes a war.
To be honest with you, it's hard.
It sucks.
It hurts.
It's lonely.
It's disappointing.
It's hard.
Sure life doesn't suck. Life is a God given gift. No matter what happens or what thoughts may enter your head, remember that. God is in charge. He will hold you in his hands like He held Noah's ark. And I bet He smiles at you just as he did with the ark. (Moses... something. Sis H shared it with me in the MTC.)
My first piece of advice is to watch this video. Of missionary friend of mine sent it to me long before going on a mission was even an idea. I owe that friend big time.
Enjoy this video. Watch it over and over again.

Much love!
Aubrey Farnsworth

P.S. Pay it forward.