So blessed.

Coming home as a returned missionary was the best thing ever. Happiest thing of my life. I am so happy. Really. SO HAPPY. Life is so beautiful. God is so good.

Here's why:
1. Being with people who know and love me. I took time to relax and just enjoy being with people who I love. Hiking with dad. Shopping with mom. Lunch with sister. Adventures with brother. Tea party with niece! And so much love and deep friendship with my dear friends. That is heaven. I came home to heaven.

2. Talking with friends from the mission!!! The mission didn't end when I left Bulgaria! Thank goodness for Skype and Facebook, because I am now able to talk with my friends in Bulgaria MORE OFTEN than I could while living there. While I was a missionary I had so many lists to accomplish and things to do, I didn't have time to call converts and friends from past cities. But now I can! Every morning being home, I'd get on Skype and talk to my friends. I still make sure they know I love them, and I still pray for them, and they still bring so much light and inspiration to my life.

3. I get to be ME. I can skip. I can laugh. Really loud. I can dance. I can smile without being afraid of flirting. I can climb. I can talk to boys! I can paint. I get to develop my God-given talents and enjoy all the blessings under heaven. I am free.

4. God loves me. He really does. Even though coming home was sometimes a mess of sad and scary, I felt God's guidance and sweet assurance that it was right. It was time for me to go. I had done my work. He is proud of me. He loves me. He has work for me to do at home. He will help me. And He truly does. God does not stop leading us when the name tag comes off. He still answers prayers, sends miracles, and loves me every single day. And now that there is less stress in my life, I think I can feel His love even stronger.

5. I get to attend the TEMPLE!!! In Bulgaria we didn't get to go to the temple at all. But now I can! I love going to the temple. I am so blessed and grateful to be able to go now. And do work for my own family names. I'm still a missionary, just helping on the other side of the veil.

Happiness is a choice. When you come home, there will be problems and life still won't be perfect. But it is so beautiful. See the beauty. Fill your life with beautiful things. The world was created full of beautiful things just to bring you joy and delight, so take advantage of it and enjoy all the wonders under the sun. Keep your life centered on the most important things like your relationship with God and others. And you will be just fine. In fact, you'll be radiant. :)

See how happy I am. :)