~My "Farewell" Experience~

Sister Katelyn Sharp has been called to serve in the Japan, Fukuoka mission beginning April 3rd, 2013!

Yesterday was my last Sunday here before I leave on my mission, and I could not have asked for a better day. The sun was shining, the spirit was strong and I was amongst some of the most wonderful people in the world; my family and friends!! My heart could not have been more full as I bore my testimony on the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and felt the power of the spirit testify through me the truthfulness of the gospel.

I have come to know that the spirit speaks all languages and can carry the message of truth into anyone's heart. I had a very spiritual experience two weeks ago as I spoke in a sacrament meeting filled with girls who ranged from the ages of 13-18, and were students of a detention school/program. I bore my testimony on the reality of the Savior and the Atonement of Jesus Christ to these young girls. As I did, the most powerful spirit I have ever felt came into the room and testified so intesely that the atonement is real and that our natures can be changed through repentance. The spirit carried this message into every girl's heart that day. I knew that they had been touched as they came up to me one by one with tear filled eyes, to express their love and gratitude for the message that had been sent from a loving Heavenly Father.

I was able to share this experience with one of my best friends, Hayley, who is leaving on her mission in June. It was a privilege for the both of us to address these beautiful young women. We both walked away from the experience having our testimonies strengthened of the incredible power of having love and faith in Jesus Christ. Miracles are brought to pass! That experience was one that I needed to have right before entering the MTC because I will now never doubt the power of the Holy Ghosts' capability of tailoring a message of truth to a person just in the way that they need to hear it. It is done through love and faith.

I felt a similar experience yesterday as I spoke for the last time in sacrament before beginning my journey as a Missionary. I am so grateful for my testimony of the Savior. The eternal perspective that it's brought into my life is incomparable to anything else in the world. I love the gospel. My nature has been changed through the atonement and I am so humbled to be able to share my testimony of that to the people of Japan. I know there are people there who are waiting to receive this message.

I love my friends and family, they have supported me beyond anything I could have ever asked for! I will miss each of them, but I know that leaving them and making this sacrifice is going to bring forth the blessings of heaven. So Japan get ready... here I come! :)