Thank you- November 9, 2014

Thank you for this letter! I truly feel like coming home is what I need to do to. When I had my interview with President Henrie I just explained how I felt and he just randomly said Sister Swenson I think you need to go home and in that moment a feeling of overwhelming peace came over me that I have never felt before all day I felt so great and I have not felt that great until the day before I came out on my mission! I truly believe that I have other things to do at home and it will be really hard for me to leave I have been crying non stop for a day! I love these people so much and I love the missionaries so so much! I really don't want to leave I wish I could just stick it out but I guess I should probably follow the counsel President Henrie gave me haha :) I'm so excited to see you and be able to be home for the holidays oh yeah and to feel like a NORMAL person again! I'm proud of myself for the things I have done here and for all the amazing experiences I have had that have shaped my life and made me into a better person! President Henrie told me that sometimes missions are 4 months, 6 months or 18 months but the lord is proud of you valiant work and he knows that you learned what you needed to! And he said that I am always welcome to come back when I feel better :) haha so ill have that as a goal but who knows what way life will take me :) I'm excited to see you again and I think ill be home Wednesday! I love you so so much and thank you for being so supportive! I was really scared but this just confirmed to me that I am making the right choice! I love you so much and I'm so excited to see Baby James and Kynlee Mae!! :) And oh I will I will, sister Hoffman is a true angel that was sent from heaven to help me over these last 4 months!!! We will be friends forever!!! She is truly the greatest person ever!!! :) I love you and ill see you Wednesday! I think President Henries will be calling you soon! I think I might be calling you as well, will see anyways have a wonderful day love you!!

We Love You- November 8, 2015

Dear Sophie

We received the phone call from President Quesenberry explaining that you are coming home.  We wished your mission would have worked out the way you planned but life is like that most of the time. We know you gave it your all! We know you tried everything you possibly could and we did too. We fasted and prayed almost every week, put your name on the prayer rolls of the temple and tried all the things our minds could think of to help you and prayed that if it was the Lords will that you could serve the full 18 months.  We put it in His hands and know there must be a reason for all that you've had to go through. Sometimes it doesn't seem fair that things don't work out like we want but the Lord has a plan for each of us.

You have served and honorable mission and given it all your heart, might, mind, and strength. He can't ask for more than that and neither can we. We are so very proud of you and how you stuck it out for almost 5 months with many trials. We know you have learned many good things and habits that will help you in your life and that your testimony has grown so much. We know that you touched many lives while you served your mission. We have all been blessed by your service to God and His children.

We love you so very much and look forward with great anticipation to your return and getting you feeling better. We hope you will never feel like you have failed because you couldn't serve the whole time. We know this will be hard for you to leave but this is the Lords will. I truly believe it. We can't worry about what others may think. You are being released because of a real illness just as if some one had cancer or a broken leg and we are anxious to get you feeling normal again. We have been so worried about you and it is a relief to know we can help you now at home.

The Lord knows your heart and is mindful of all your trials. He knew how much courage and faith you showed by being willing to serve. You had 2 baptisms in your short time and that's more than many who stay out the full time. You are being released with an honorable release and we are thrilled as your parents for your obedience and perseverance. We will be waiting with open arms of love for you. Kynlee said the other day, I miss my Aunt Sophie!!!! We all have! We hope that you can move forward and continue in life with all your hopes and dreams. The holidays are here and we will have you back with us all together again. Please give Sister Hoffman our love and all the others who have been so kind and helpful. 

All my love, Mommy 

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo I can't wait to give you a real hug!