I don't really know how to start this email. I'm still waiting for the reality of me going home to set in, but it still hasn't yet. To me it just feels like another transfer, another area, another assignment. I keep trying to tell myself that I'm done but my heart still keeps telling me I'm not.
I suppose that for me I don't think I'll ever be "done" doing the things that I have done as a missionary, touching lives, feeling God's love for myself and for others, following divine guidance, and stretching and growing myself as I keep exercising faith in Jesus Christ.
I may not be able to be an official representative of Jesus Christ, but I will always be His disciple.
Saying goodbye to Colonia was hard, and to add to it president decided to pull a fast one on us and transferred Elder Celebrado this last Thursday giving me three and a half days to orient the new Elder, Elder Eyo, to the area as he prepares to train a new missionary this transfer.
President has said that he likes to send his missionaries home exhausted, and he sure lives up to his word.
I took a lot of pictures with the people and then I turned the area over to Elder Eyo. He is a good missionary and I know that the people will be in good hands.
How do I write my last email? I want to tell you all about the people that have been baptized and all of the miracles that I am seeing, but I know I'll be able to tell you it all when I get home.
I think that all that I can say is that this has been the experience of a lifetime. There is NOTHING that I could have done with my life that would have helped me more to achieve my potential like serving a full time mission has. I don't regret a single moment that I have spent in this field, and I will be forever changed because of the faith I have been able to gain through and in Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten of the Father, my Savior, and my Friend.
I love these people so much, and I will always have a piece of my heart that will belong to Negros. I have been able to teach these people the gospel, but they have taught me how to be happy, and I will forever be indebted to this island for that.
The Elder Butler that entered the MTC October 31st 2012 a boy went to the Philippines and got lost somewhere among the sugar cane fields of Negros and the Elder Butler that came out is different now. He's used to cold bucket showers, no running water, and rice three meals a day. But he loves the Lord, he loves to work, and he knows where he's going.
I want you all to know how much I love you, and I am so excited to see you again and be with our wonderful family.
I have been blessed beyond measure in my life, and I know that my service does not stop here. I may not know the future, but I know the Lord has a plan for me and that's the plan I'm going to follow.
This is Elder Butler signing off for the last time.
Hasta makita'ay ta liwat, halong kamo pirme!
Palangga ta kamo,
~Elder Butler
