Hinck Happenings: Matthew Home Again

At the end of his senior year, Matthew was called to serve a mission to Sydney, Australia. He had so much excitement to serve and we were all excited for him to share the gospel in the same country where my Dad served his mission. When it was time for Matthew to leave, Australia's borders still closed from the COVID pandemic. They were one of the last countries to open up. Matthew received a temporary call to the Charlotte North Carolina mission. Again it was special call since my parents served their senior mission in the same mission. He spent about 8 months in North Carolina and then flew to Sydney. Both experiences were a tremendous growing experience for Matthew in the gospel and also as an individual. It has been so great having him home. He has been working and then spending his nights trying to plan his future. He says that his mission taught him to plan his days, months and lifelong goals. I loved his last letter that he sent to his family and friends before his return home. Here are his words and testimony:

“This is my last week as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The most humbling experience I have had in my lifetime and I am eternally grateful. Serving a mission is not an easy thing, and people know that, but the thing that I wish i could help youth in the church understand is that serving a mission changes the course and perspective of life. You go from being focused on what you are and where you are going in high school to, how can I help every person I talk to today feel the light of christ in their lives. It's all about serving the people around you and seeing their progression! Missions are a daunting thing!! But if I'm being honest as I've realized in the last couple weeks, life is even more daunting!! And what better way to give ourselves a head start in life than serving Jesus Christ fully. Not being worried about yourself but those around you.”

The originals: Matthew, Catherine, Kirsten, Julie, David, Sarah. Camille, and Spencer

Our growing family: Caleb, Catherine, Matthew, Spencer, Adelyn, Kirsten, Sarah, Poppy, Lottie, Julie, David, Camille, Lincoln, Heidi and Jonathan. (Missing Ben, William and Eleanor)