Last Post From Mission

Wow!  I can't believe the day has come for Elder Ruby to return home!  I have spent the last two years telling myself that he wasn't coming home.  Now, it's just 2 days away and I still can't believe it.  I'm not sure what to expect.  He says he's still the same Hyrum.  I can't wait to hug him and look at him.  My friend, Kristin, said she stared at her return missionary at the dinner table.  I can see myself doing the same thing.  I have been doing my best to stay busy the past few days, to make the time go by faster and not constantly look at the clock.  So far, it's working.   I know everyone is going to do some adjusting, including me.  I will be patient and understanding.  I am so excited!!

Here's a few words from his very last letter:  I will do my best to constructively learn from my experiences on my mission, and move on.  I want to come home, stay busy, study, exercise, watch Rowen play football, go to institute, play on the trampoline (Lily can't wait), harvest the garden, prepare for college and establish good friendships.  I look forward to beating you at Just Dance again, watching wholesome movies, playing cards as a family, roasting s'mores together, and eating your wonderful food.  I sure miss doing those things (especially the last one) with you, but not for long.

It will take me some time to adjust.  I may feel uncomfortable in situations that you would feel comfortable, like listening to the radio, just hanging out with no purpose, being by myself or swimming.  I may actually call you or others Elder or Sister :)  I will want to study often.  I will want things clean.  I will want to plan out my day, and go to bed at a reasonable time.  Just be patient with me and I'll do my best to be patient with you.

Last, I wanted to share his last words of testimony with you:

I feel like I have always had a testimony of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and all that that implies. The things that I could bear my testimony about before my mission are still the things that I know to be true. In that way, my testimony hasn't changed. However, I know who Christ is more than I ever have before. I know more surely that Joseph Smith was a prophet called to restore Christ's church, priesthood, and teachings to the Earth in their fullness.  I know that the Book of Mormon is God's word because of how I feel and the understanding it gives me.  No man could have written that book unless the words were from God Himself.

I am so thankful for what the mission has taught me.  I am grateful for the person God has helped me become. Don't worry, I'm still Hyrum.  (Being called "Hyrum" will take some getting used to).  I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know and love us.  They are involved in the details of our lives.  Joseph Smith was called by God to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Earth.  I know that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.  The Book of Mormon is the word of God.  The church is true, the Book is blue, and Moroni is always on the ball.  I know our family is eternal and I want an eternal family of my own.

Love, Elder Hyrum P. Ruby

Here are some pictures from some wonderfully kind people who spent the weekend with Elder Ruby and Elder Huston.