Sister Van Buskirk: I got a new companion my last week on my misson

Okay no that's a joke. Still have my sweet Sister Stubbs but funny story. I'm gonna tell y'all the long version because I can. So a few weeks ago Bishop Harrison found out I was leaving like going home leaving so he asked me to speak. He said 5-7 minutes. I was like cool I can do that. The next week he asked if I could speak for a little longer, 8-10 minutes. No problem! Then Saturday night he left us a voicemail asking if I could speak for 10-12 mintues! Basically in a week the time doubled of what he wanted from me. But it's okay because I love the Dover Ward and I will do anything for them. So I am speaking with Eddie who just got home from his mission like two weeks ago. It's just the two of us and I look at the time and there is like over 40 minutes for the rest of the meeting. I'm freaking out a little inside and I think so was Bishop because before he announced that I would be speaking he asked if Sister Butler would come up and share her testimony. I was a little confused because I had no idea who Sister Butler was. I had never met a Sister Butler in this ward and I was looking at the congregation and I knew everyone that was there and there was no Sister Butler. Then Bishop said her companion was going home and I was like, "Wait, I'm going home. I have a companion but her name is Sister Stubbs. Is he talking about Sister Stubbs?" Anyway, he was and everyone was confused but thought it was funny and teased her about it. Everyone will probably remember her as Sister Butler in this ward now!

Well this is it. It's my last week and my last weekly email (thank goodness). Thank you so much all of y'all that kept up with my adventures and experiences. I hope you learned something these past 18 months. I know I did.

Here's a little update on our week:

We taught Joseph at the church. (We didn't want anymore bedbug incedents.) We taught the Plan of Salvation and he really liked it! We invited him to be baptized and to pray about it. He said the closing prayer and asked if he should be baptized in -- and then he stopped and asked what the name of our church is again. That's something we hope he learns soon. But he was able to come to church again so that was awesome! (He may or may not have taken a smoke break between classes)

Friday I went to the temple with all the other dying missionaries and had my last interview with President Randall. I'm going to miss him way to much. But he told me his daughter wants to hang out with me when I move to Provo so I'm pumped.

Had dinner with Sister Francesconi and Sister Burnham and found out Sister F. is moving to Utah and she said we can go have lunch together when I move up there so Utah might not be so bad.

Went to the Elder's baptism and was asked to lead the music.

Sunday I spoke in church and gave probably the best talk I have ever given in my life. (Just patting myself on the back here)

Taught AJ and Amber and Junior one last time (Aryanna was with her grandma) It was an awesome lesson and it was the first time we had taught Amber and she loved it! Also Junior told me I was his favorite sister missionary so boo-yah

I am so grateful to have been able to spend these 18 months here in the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to wear my Savior's name next to mine. I know Christ lives and that the Book of Mormon is true and that ever single page testifies of Him. I invite all of you to set a goal to read the Book of Mormon everyday for the rest of your life because it will change your life. I can promise that because it changed mine. I love you all and hopefully I will see you all in a few days!

Lots of Love!

Sister Van Buskirk

Rachel is our favorite