Religious Growth

We didn't really learn anything about Yaakov's religious growth during his time away from home. I have been pondering it though and come to the conclusion that he has in fact grown spiritually. I have concluded this mainly from the end of our story. When Rachel stole her fathers idols I choose to believe that she did so in order to make him a better person, a more G-d following person. I think she wanted her father to follow the path that she was on. Personally I think that Rachel did that and wanted her father to be more like her because she had been influenced by Yaakov for all those years. I think that unintentionally Yaakov helped strengthen someone else's connection to Hashem and by doing that he strengthened his own. I am not sure if he ever found out that Rachel took them (I don't remember if we learned if she told him or not), but I think that he would have been a little proud of her for doing so. He would have been happy to have been married to a woman strong enough in her beliefs that she would take away her fathers idols, which was more risky than not. Rachel really could have been punished pretty harshly for what she did. Her father could have been very angry with her and done something to her. I think that just furthers the spiritual connection because she has faith in Hashem that again she did something wrong, lying to her father, for the greater good.
As for Yaakov, I think that the fact that he now has the ability and strength to face Esav and even stand up to his father in law in some ways connects back to Hashem. He now knows that whatever he does he will be protected. That Hashem is on his side no matter what. Yaakov also left Lavan's house. After spending 20 years in a house full of idols and immoral people, Yaakov remained connected. He stayed true to his beliefs. I know from experience that when everyone around you is doing the opposite, it's very hard to stick to your ground. I think Yaakov has grown, spiritually as well as physically.
Yaakov is now returning home with 2 wives, a self made fortune, and enough sheep and belongings to even give some as a peace offering to Esav. Although Yaakov tries so appease and calm the waters a bit with Esav before actually going and meeting with him by sending gifts, that does not sway my thoughts. In any case, I think that made him smarter. Testing the waters in this case, when his brother wants to kill him is a smart idea.
Overall I think the journey and stay with Lavan was very beneficial for Yaakov. I think he not only came back with a fortune as well as a family, but he also came back more spiritual and connected than ever!