Merry Christmas to Y'all!

​How is Christmas is one week?? Time is flying! 

We kicked off our week with a special Zone Conference, featuring Elder Claudio R.M. Costa. So we had about half of the mission here in Hattiesburg, but it was such a good meeting! Sister Goold and I had been talking a few days before about the needs of our zone, our sisters, and our area. There are so many different things going on right now, and we weren't sure how we could help everyone. But then in one conference, I felt like everything we had talked about was brought up. I know it helped me, and us. It was just another testament to me of how inspired this work is. There's no way all of those struggles could have been addressed if our leaders weren't called of God. 

​Zone Conference! Lunch with 4 Generations! Me, My baby, My grandbaby, and my great-grandbaby! (Haha, yeah I'm kinda old in mission age...)  

I also learned about some new muscles I have in my arms this week, because they got so sore! On Friday night we went to Nikki's house to help her move some dirt. So for about 2 hours we were out there with our rakes and a shovel, but man it felt good to get dirty and work hard! We've been able to see Nikki a lot this week, and she is doing so well. We had the coolest experience a couple of weeks ago, when she received a priesthood blessing at the end of our lesson. And it was answered a few days later. She's gaining a testimony, and slowly but surely, she is gaining more peace. 

We had our Ward Christmas Party that night as well! Sister Goold and I helped to decorate that morning, and then we got to meet Santa!! He asked what we want for Christmas. Haha, well all we really want is a "white Christmas"-Baptismal White, that is. ;) 

Now, if we're being very honest, I was fully planning on being home this Christmas. I didn't think that I would have another one as a missionary. But I'm so grateful I am here, and that I have another Christmas as a missionary. I have learned a lot from the Savior these past 18 months, and it's pretty neat to have such a unique opportunity to serve and share His love when people's hearts are a little bit more receptive to feeling the spirit. 

I hope you each have a Merry Christmas! 

Find some time to take a moment to think about the life we are celebrating.