ALAMOSA — Dustin Southway, son of Rocky and Trinette Southway of Alamosa, recently returned from serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. Dustin served in the Florida Tallahassee Mission; the mission’s area consists of southern Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. 

Southway relates that the past two years were life altering. “I am a better man now because of this experience. The situations in which I have been placed have tempered me. I have dealt with a variety of people and learned that everyone we meet has something to offer us.”   

Southway developed a great love of the scriptures while serving. He states that answers to every question a person has in life can be found by searching the scriptures. The scriptures also teach us to understand how the Gospel works, and how it applies to our everyday lives. God cares about us and wants us to find peace and happiness, which brings comfort to our souls.

Southway relates that he, “has learned how to help others reach for their highest potential and to actualize success. I have felt my heart melted and humbled as I have put the needs of others ahead of mine. I went out of my comfort zone and worked hard to help others find peace. I gave up sleep, so they could find rest. I have faced the heat and humidity in the name of sharing the Lord’s message with others. It was worth every drop of sweat. Most importantly, I have developed a relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. I have come to understand my total dependence on Him who is mighty to save.”

Like other returning missionaries, Southway relates that the work and time spent was out of love and appreciation for Jesus Christ – to better understand Him and His sacrifice and to learn what that sacrifice actually does for us. Dustin loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ and wants others to have the same understanding and feelings that he has.

“I have loved every minute of being one of the Lord’s anointed missionaries. For two years, 744 days, I have been dedicated to a single cause. A mission is 24 hours a day. No days off. Rain, sun, heat, hurricane, holiday, nothing stops us. I have given my all to this work. How great has been my calling. I am going to miss this place dearly, but it is only a pinch down yonder.”

Southway’s future plans include returning to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, New Mexico and continuing in his pursuit of earning a degree in engineering.