WASHINGTON

Hello! I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

For two years, I was known as Elder Brinkerhoff, a full-time missionary. 

Welcome to my blog!

Here I will share stories and insights I experienced over the course of my two-year service in the great state of Washington (July 2nd 2014-July 5th 2016). I want to document these fun and profoundly precious moments that mean so much to me in a way that I can look back and remember but also so I can share it with you!

I am grateful for the many opportunities I have been given to serve in my small capacity. Growing up, I was very active in my religious youth group. I was able to feel a sense of purpose begin to form as I began to understand my Duty to God. I remember many service projects and leadership positions that pushed me and moulded my understanding of what it truly means to love and serve others.

I have been blessed with tremendously supportive parents and inspiring role models. Not everybody has that blessing, so I try not to take them for granted. Without them, I never would have been able to experience my personal growth and spiritual understanding that now means so much to me. They have carried me through my hardest days. From my earliest days of existence learning to walk to my current days as I strive to find my place and purpose in life.

I look back on my mission trip with many different feelings; feelings I never expected. A mission truly is a metaphor for life. I felt that so many times. I experienced some very low emotional lows, and the highest of emotional highs. My mission contained lots of profound "bookend" experiences, if you will. Things that felt repeated or felt like they paralleled in unique ways from beginning to end. I've done my best to document them and remember them. There are a lot! I don't know if everyone experiences something of this sacred nature, but this pattern, I think, was God's assurance that He is aware of me and that where I was at given times truly was divinely inspired. It requires a lot of faith to continue forward when God calls you to do something. Usually it's not easy, but always worth it as I have found in my own life.

I have so many people and other blessings to thank for the success I experienced on my mission. In no way am I trying to elevate myself or pat myself on the back for anything I did during my time as a full-time missionary, but to share with you the incredible cleansing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that I've experienced in my own life. There are so many incredible miracles to bring to light. I truly feel that I have been able to accomplish the will of God and His personal mission for me as I elected to be an instrument in His hands to help others return to Him.

I know that God listens. He is always there. He has a plan for you. Have the courage to seek after that plan. It is a life-long adventure, but it is worth it.

I dedicate my words to God and testify of them in the name of Jesus Christ.