December 23, 2013

So let's see... Last thing I told you about was the mission temple trip and that we took a mission photo, right? I think so. It was pretty cool to be honest. Then afterwards we had our email time, and then after that we took zone pictures! That was really fun. I put some of the, on Facebook, but the quality isn't the best. I'm going to see if I can get copies of the originals to send home. 

Then we went and started the Nativity thing with our convert! Which I don't think I have explained, so I'll give a brief summary:

We have an 8 piece nativity set (maybe 7, I don't remember) and we are dropping off one piece a night, secretly, with a little description of that figures role in the birth of the savior of the world. So yea, we have been doing that.

Thursday we had "The Meeting"
That's what president Toone called it! Basically it was all of the Mission Leadership Council (the Zone Leaders and the Sister Training Leaders) and about 20

other missionaries that were invited to come to this meeting with Brother Lee Donaldson of the Missionary Department (also the mission president from The District 2) they talked about how to better use Facebook for enhancing our own area, and kinda threw down on the idea of teaching people in other places. It was interesting, because I have yet to be able to really have success with Facebook in my own area.  Probably because not many people here have Facebook! They don't have internet or smart phones, so why have a Facebook? But I'm going to try my best to use it the way Salt Lake, and really church headquarters, wants us to. If they want us to do

something one way, and I try my hardest to do it like that, The Lord will provide the rest, right? I'm praying for that.

Then on the way home, I got a U of O flag from this flag salesman. It was $15, couldn't pass it up (he didn't have any Blazer, Braves, or BYU ones, Oregon was my fourth choice)

We have someone on date for this weekend!  He's this super cool guy who is from Chiapas Mexico. He is here living with a member family and working so he can send money home to his family in Mexico. He's super nice, and it's really funny how he is trying to learn English.  Quick story about him:  This past Sunday, we were in gospel principles and they ran out of books, so I pulled up the book on my hastening device, and had him follow along. While I was paying attention to the class, he had gotten out of the Gospel Library app, and onto my Facebook! He was just scrolling through my newsfeed asking who people were. Elder Aranibar and I were laughing so hard. But yea, he is a good guy.

Sunday night we had a Christmas celebration, which was as really cool. What they did was like sing a hymn, and read a part of the story of Jesus birth as recorded in Luke, and then sing a hymn that pertains to that part of the story, then read some more, then another hymn, and so on. It was awesome. The missionaries had the final song, El Cristo Es (or He is the Christ I think in English). It was super good, it's a really powerful song.
Finally after that we went had a meeting with our new Ward Mission Leader. He's really excited and ready to go! I'll miss our old one, but he's been super busy with work, and he's been the ward mission leader for 3 years already, I think. It was his time.

Well I'm excited to talk to you all on Christmas, and I have only been approved to use Skype, not Google+, just so you know. We were thinking around 11Am Arizona time, 10am there, if that's okay? Just let me know.
Love you all so much, and I love my mission! I don't think I say that enough. It's super awesome here.
P.S. Thanks for all of the Christmas Cards! I wish I had time to reply to you all individually, but I just don't have the time! Or the stamps...

The Carter Family: I hope all is well and that Ryan is loving his mission! We email back and forth pretty often, and he seems to be doing great. Hopefully the rest of the family is well and not sick this time of year

The Vorkink Family: Loved the card! Shout out to the Oregon beach in some of those pictures. I can definitely Tell that Sarah is enjoying herself in the picture in San Fran by the roses. Can't believe Eric is a freshman and LuLu is a teenager. I feel like I haven't been gone that long. Hopefully Annika is still the best goalie.

Mike and Rebecca Allen: I loved the calendar card thing. The picture made me laugh so hard! It's just adorable. I hope all is well, and that the Giants have a better season next year, yea?

Peterson Family: Awesome picture of Jake! I personally like the one where he is climbing a palm tree... ;) but you all look wonderful. Joe looks huge as always, and Emily and Anna look precious. I get to talk to Jake pretty regularly, and it's always awesome. Love that kid.

Grandma and Grandpa Weight: The deck looks like it could use a good staining. Call up my dad for that, okay? Hahaha just kidding! You look great in the picture, and from what I can tell all seems well.

Neal Family: Love the picture! I can't ever get over how tall Hayden is... And now Olivia! I think she's taller than me... I need to take a moment and mentally accept that... Okay we're good. You all look great and Hayden and I get to talk pretty often, and I love the example he's been in my life! He's been my best friend for as long as I can remember, and I'm eternally grateful for him and you all, his wonderful family. Also, brother Neal, don't worry, if you were afraid I never ate at your home back in Oregon, I can assure you the Spanish speaking people or Arizona are feeding me quite well...

Andrew and Shannon: I think that quote will get as close as I can get to the Grinch. Actually, it is as close as I will get. Don't worry, the essentials kit has already saved my life multiple times. I mean, the empty lead case came in handy when our investigator needed a tiny case to hold sand, and the rubber band has provided for a nice weapon against the chihuahuas of Arizona. The war is still raging on, but they have had it too good for too long... Also Shannon, the Blondies were amazing. Loved them to death! And I actually Love that Owlet shirt so much. Such a cool design and color.

Tingey Family: the Christmas card before the actual Christmas card was nice, and I do miss that jello, that's for sure. I'll wait to see the card before I say anything about how the family looks, who knows what could have happened, I mean Joel is a chemist right? Sketch. Hahaha just kidding. I'm sure all is well with your family.
I hope that is all of the Christmas cards I got and that I didn't miss anyone! I love you all and am so grateful for the opportunity to have you all in my life!