Throughout my life I have had the opportunity to face trials and times of growth. I was a 19-year-old preparing to enter into the service of the Lord. I received my call to serve the people of the Canada Toronto East Mission. Being a country boy from Montana, I was more than overwhelmed knowing that Toronto was one of the largest cities. I came to the realization that Toronto was one of the most diverse places in all the world. In Montana, the most diverse it got was black and white spotted cows. I couldn't wait to embark on my two years.

My father assured me that it is where the Lord wanted me. I always put my trust and faith in my dad. He was unlike any other dad. At times he was more excited about my mission than I was. Each day, he would come home from work with something new that he thought would be useful for my mission. Before I knew it, he packed my bags for me, not because I couldn't or was too lazy, but because he wanted to be out there with me. He promised me one night that he would always be there by my side, and I found comfort in knowing this.

Then the trial of my life appeared before me. Late afternoon on Nov. 23, 2003, I ran out of the door assuring my dad that I'd be home for home teaching. I told him I loved him, not knowing that it would be the last time. Ten days before I entered the Missionary Training Center, I lost my father and best friend to unexpected causes. The pain become too much to bear and I lay restless for a few days. I took that time to pray for comfort for my dear mother. My heart fell into pieces as I watched her cry each night. I felt the urge one night to read my father's mission journal. As I read each page, I felt as if he wrote the words directly to me.

My mission has been the growing experience of my life. I've come to appreciate the Atonement of Jesus Christ in more ways than I thought was possible. It causes pain to say goodbye to those we love, but how grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father who has provided the Plan of Salvation and whose Beloved Son suffered so much to provide for a resurrection of all as well as the opportunity to receive eternal life.

I know that my mission is where I should be. I understand that Heavenly Father would never put us through something He knew we couldn't do. Even so, I'm grateful that my dad has the opportunity to assist me in this work. I feel his presence often, and I know he's serving beyond the veil. And in this I have found great comfort, that he is always by my side. — Elder Jarom J. Schmidt, Canada Toronto East Mission (Fairfield Ward, Great Falls Montana Stake.)