An early, but honorable return

I just came home less than a week ago from my 3 and a half month mission for the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. I was a full time missionary and I studied Russian in the MTC and in the field. Because of that I am now semi fluent.
Since I came home, I have had the feeling that I have to explain why I came home to everyone. But that really isn't the case. I've gotten so much judgement from some of the people I have told and haven't told. But some people who love and care about me very much have told me "You know why you're home, and the Lord knows why you're home. That's all that matters." It's true. It's extremely unchristlike for someone to judge a sister who came home from her mission early. Especially if they themselves have never served missions. And it's ironic and sad, but most of the people who have snubbed me haven't ever been on missions.
Anyway, I want to talk about what I learned on this mission. Yes, I learned Russian and I was able to go to Russia. That in and of itself is enough of an experience. But here are the life changing parts...

1.) I learned to respect the priesthood with all faith of heart. Not that I didn't respect it before, but before my mission I was under this state of mind: "Why do men get the priesthood and women don't? That's so not fair." And I was a little annoyed because it didn't seem like anything special really but it seemed like just a title to me. I was SO wrong. In the MTC I had the opportunity, privilege and blessing to be in a class with 6 Elders and 5 other sisters. Those Elders taught me so much about respecting the priesthood. I was able to be there for the first time most of them ever gave blessings. It was a beautiful and sacred experience. I was sick a lot and got a bad back injury in the MTC and each time I was hurting or really sick, the Elders gave me a blessing and always listened to the spirit and gave me truly inspired blessings. They became dear friends, incredible examples, and strong in their priesthood. I was blessed to have one last blessing the night before we left and the Elder who gave the blessing was in my first area in Orenburg, Russia when we got there. He was truly inspired. He called angels to surround me and I truly felt them and witnessed their hands in my life. He reallydid call angels to minister unto me, and he did it by being worthy and taking his priesthood seriously. I will always be so grateful for him and that blessing.
2.) I learned that women also have a sacred responsibility and divine nature. Not only in the caring for and nurturing of families and children. But in charity for others. I was able to minister to people by praying and recognizing my divine role as a woman/ sister. Women have a huge role and I have personally seen and gained a testimony that a priesthood holder cannot fulfill his priesthood responsibilities without the charity, help, love, and nurturing of women. And the same is true for women. We can't do all we need to do without priesthood holders. We really are equal and meant to support to each other as equal partners/companions.
3.) Life in Russia is hard. I was called an antichrist. I was told to go home because nobody wanted me there. A lady thought we were metaknights and said "Your church is dangerous for us. I cannot talk to you metaknights." There were broken bottles littered everywhere from liquor. Drunks walked up and down the streets everyday everywhere I went. People were rough and sad. But once I got to know them or connected to them or expressed a true desire to help them, they are the most genuine people I have ever met. The most beautiful souls. True blood of Israel.
4.) You can have back and forth conversation with Heavenly Father. I knew you could pray to Heavenly Father like a friend, but I had never experienced conversing back and forth with Him. Because of the sister who taught me and my class in the MTC, I learned this. And because of her, I received so much revelation. Some of it life changing even. And answers to questions I never really knew I had.
5.) I learned to work with another person equally and to work out conflicts or to just be open with them and ask for help. I learned how to support another person. I also by doing these things learned how to cook and how to cook for someone allergic to milk, wheat, and who couldn't really eat a lot of meat. I learned how to be supportive and loving in a companionship.
6.) I learned so much more too, but most importantly, I gained a solid testimony of the Book of Mormon. Of apostles and prophets. Of the priesthood. Sisterhood. And of the Holy Ghost.

When I had two more weeks left of my mission, I committed myself to work hard 100% everyday. Because of that I saw and felt miracles. I worked hard and Heavenly Father truly worked through me. I was an instrument of the Lord. I became a new person. When I came home I realized how much more obedient, patient, and spiritually clean I became. I am so grateful that I was able to  be shaped by the Lord into who I am now.

My life has changed for the better the past three and a half months. I've experienced so much and learned so many life lessons. Even though Russia was hard to live in, and there were a lot of rough times and people... there were beautiful moments and beautiful people.  I was so blessed to be there as long as I was.

I loved my mission. I served honorably and worked hard and served. It was short, but honorable. I know it, and the Lord knows it. That is what really matters. :)
Now on with life again. I will keep all I learned in my heart and apply it everyday in every way I can. I'll get a job, save money, go to college. And who knows what will happen along the way.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who supported me on my mission and who supports me know. God bless you beautiful people. I love you so much. Thank you thank you.