Monday we had a group Noche de Hogar (family home evening) We went to a lady's house in the ward who had the most amazing Christmas tree display I have ever seen. It was literally jaw-dropping. I have currently misplaced the pictures of it, so you will have to wait a week more to see the picture of it. But holy cow! I couldn't believe it! The group members came and we had a wonderful evening together.
Tuesday was one of the saddest days. We said goodbye to Bartolo. We had a lesson with him at the Johnsons home. He told us that he changed plans and was leaving in the morning. Tear. We taught him about faith and repentance and baptism and the holy ghost and enduring to the end. To be honest with you guys. I didn't even want to say anything because I just wanted Bartolo to talk to whole time. His testimony is so strong and so powerful. He told us about some things going on in his life that are hard. His friends have noticed the change in him and are starting to make fun of him for it. He said it is hard. He also told us that his mom is really sick. He said something about chemotherapy so it can't be good. It broke my heart to hear him say all of this. But then he said something that I will never forget. He said, "Trials come, but I can overcome them because God is on my side. He is with me, verdad." He gets it. He gets that the gospel will help every situation. To see someone so new in the gospel understand the all compassing love and atonement of Christ is life changing. I can't explain the spirit that filled the already spirit-filled room when he said that. We can all learn a big lesson from him. I know I have. He has forever impacted my life. We exchanged emails so we will get to stay in contact! woohooo!
Wednesday evening we were at the church. Our meeting had gotten cancelled so we were out in the hall talking to Hermana Fox. Then she said, Do you guys want to go shopping? I can get you a Christmas present! So she took us to Walmart and got Hna James and I each a Christmas present! That was super duper nice of her.
Thursday we had our mission Christmas conference! It was amazing!!!! We had a bunch of trainings from our leaders and from President Walkenhorst. We talked a lot about what the color white symbolizes. Here is something that President said to us, "If we want to progress to the point where we know all things, we must be obedient. There is no other way. Christ is the only source of truth and light. Every time we reject light and truth we submit to "the Evil one" who seeketh to destroy light and truth. The only way to find joy, peace, and happiness in life and throughout eternity is by obedience to the gospel which increases the light and truth that we receive through Christ. Enjoy the Christmas lights and ponder to what degree you truly seek light and truth. Are you willing to do what is necessary to increase in light and truth until you know all things? Are you willing to be more obedient? I pray that you may bask in the Light of Christ this Christmas season." It is so true! So in reality, "Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more..."The Christmas season is such a special one! After the trainings we had a mini concert and then we all got gifts from home!! I want to thank everyone for the letters! I really really loved them!!!
Friday I was sick, so I stayed home for most of the day. We went on mini-exchanges so Hna James could get out of the house.
Saturday I was feeling better so we were able to go to a temple sealing!!! A couple in South OKC got sealed, so we were able to go. It was a beautiful sealing. It was amazing to see everyone so happy. I love the spirit that is in the temple. We listened to the session in Spanish. That was a first for me! I was surprised by how much I understood! That night we went to a members Christmas party! There were so many people! I knew about 3/4 of the people who were there. We ate a lot of food and listend to so much Christmas music.
Sunday was our ward Christmas program. Hna James and I did two musical numbers. We performed "This is the Christ" and "Away in a Manger" It was a lot of fun to be able to perform. Then that evening we made peppernuts and delivered them to the members in the ward. We had flautas for dinner and the were soooooo good! Luis, a recent convert, and his friend made them for us. So good!
I want to wish you all a merry merry Christmas. I hope we all can remember the true gift of Christmas and give thanks to him this season! Family, I can't wait to see all of your beautiful faces!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Con amor,
Hermana Hilton
This is the Christmas party that we went to on Saturday :) I am sitting next to the Guerrero family! They are the bomb.com!
Selfie with santa at Christmas Conference!!! haha jk Santa is Elder Steed. He was my first District Leader and now is an AP.. crazy kid!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.