Elder Caden Kapp: Last Week, Last Email

Hi Everyone!

Let me start by saying it is absolutely crazy to think this is my last email, let alone my last week. A lot happened this week which was great. The other day I hit my two years mark. Time has absolutely flown by. It feels like the other month I was in the MTC just starting. I can't describe how grateful I am to have this opportunity to serve a mission. It truly has been the best two years.

Alright let's get this email started! So to start with not so boring stuff, I'll talk about an experience I thought I avoided my whole mission. We were visiting Christina and she has a lot of dogs outside. And by now they know us and we're usually chill. So these ten dogs come up when we're at the door just playing. Of course I have my favorite I was playing with while waiting for Christina. Then out of no where I get this sharp pain in my ankle, I look and there is a decent size dog biting me. Let me say, this hurt. But what was cool was all the other dogs got that dog off me and chased it off. But again, my ankle was no bueno. Something funny was the family came out before the dog left and chucked glass pots and things at it and one guy chased the wrong dog around the camp just throwing things at it. But afterwards we had a great lesson with Christina and her family, so it was worth it.

Also this last week we went out bush for my last exchange. The exchange went really good. It's been raining a lot so we had to leave our car at Gem Tree and the Elders picked us up in their truck and we went out driving through puddles and streams. For the exchange I went to Mulgabore and Engawala with Elder Hull and Elder Smith. The exchange went well. We were able to teach a bunch and saw a lot of members which was good. I got to say my goodbyes. Then of course at night we slept in the tents. I slept way better than last time because it was cooler. Overall, it was the best last exchange. Couldn't ask for better.

On Friday I had a five hour zoom call to prepare me coming home. That was a long five hours, but we got through. With the rest of the week we've been teaching like crazy. Our friend Zania who lives in one of the communities came to town and we had a lesson with her. She's moving to Adelaide and will be on the same flight as me. So that'll be fun.

The remainder of the week was normal. We've been able to see Natalie and Angelo and their family quite a bit. They are doing so good. Natalie keeps reminding me I'll be leaving them Tuesday. I'll be missing this family most. They are all just the best and I'm so excited for them to go to the temple in the future. Then I said goodbye to some other friends and members. Which was good but also it's been hitting me that I'm leaving for good so it's been a bitter-sweet week. But one big miracle was our friend Atlanta said she wants to be baptized. Natalie called into the lesson and talked about her baptism which was exactly what we needed. So Atlanta wants to get baptized in March with her family and seems pretty excited about it.

Sunday was a day of saying goodbyes. It's sad having to leave so many members and friends. But that's missionary work for you.

Spiritual Thought: By Elder David A. Bednar-"My beloved brethren, you and I, today and always, are to bless all peoples in all the nations of the earth. You and I, today and always, are to bear witness of Jesus Christ and declare the message of the Restoration. You and I, today and always, are to invite all to receive the ordinances of salvation."

This quote has really helped me as I've been preparing to go home. The mission is the best and I'm excited to continue the work back in Utah.

Random stuff this week was last p-day we went to the sand dunes and played football. It was super fun. A lot of the bush saints are still here so we saw them and they just had a baby kangaroo in their house chilling with the dogs. For some reason cops were everywhere on Saturday looking for people. There was a police car on literally every street. Crazy. Finally we went to the talk of the town, Sammy's Pizza. I will say, I was not disappointed. It was actually pretty good.

I know I say this every week, but seriously thank you everyone. This experience has truly been the greatest thing I've done. It wouldn't have been possible without all the love and support. I love this church and I know for certain is the the true church on earth today. God has restored it through Joseph Smith. How do I know this? The spirit the Book of Mormon brings is undeniable and has truly blessed my life. Love you all, see you in a few days.