Sorry this e-mail is a day late. We found out yesterday morning that all of the libraries were closed because of the Christmas holiday (apparently they still wanted their day off because Christmas was on Sunday!) The story will be the same next week too, so don't look for an e-mail from me until Tuesday. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that they were able to spend as much time with family and friends as possible. I know that at this time of year we tend to take account of all the things we have and are grateful for. I have to report that I am the same. I have been given so many blessings in the year 2011 and can't wait to continue my service as a missionary for a good portion of 2012. I know it will be a wonderful year full of adventure. This week, in response to the first presidency article in the December Ensign, I made a list of the things I am thankful for. I was amazed at the blessings I could count, and all those I could still list if I had more room!
As for this past week, I have to admit I never really felt like it was Christmas, although I was surrounded by Christmas things and had the opportunity to talk to some members of my family. I don't know, either I am too focused on the work, or Christmas just isn't Christmas without your family around you. I can't really decide which one it is for me. Who knows, maybe the lack of snow contributed! I'm grateful it was the way it was though. I have the tendency to put a lot of emotion into the holidays, and since it never really felt like Christmas, I wasn't really sad or homesick and it was nice to talk to my Mom and Dad. I even got to see them as we were allowed to use Skype this year.
As a missionary, Christmas gifts are somewhat subdued. We really don't need things. I can happily report that the number one gift for a missionary is candy, and I have a big mountain of it sitting on our kitchen counter. I highly doubt I will be able to eat it all. I'm kind of hoping Hermana Duarte will just go nuts on it and take care of it for me!
I did receive one amazing gift I wanted to mention...my last Sunday service in the relief society room with the Largo Spanish Branch. We had 50 people at sacrament, which was amazing because I felt like at least half the branch was gone for the holidays. The service was loud. The children could NOT sit still. It was hot, even a little suffocating...I loved it! Truly the best Christmas present I could have received as I sat there and thought, “We are going to feel this exact same way in the chapel by the end of next year.”
I am very excited for the prospects of the work here in this area. I can't wait to hear how it continues to grow and progress, even after I move to other areas and when I complete my service as a missionary. I know the Lord has accomplished a lot here the last few months, that miracles are still occurring each day, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. I am excited for all of the possibilities of a New Year. I hope each of you had a wonderful holiday and that your New Year begins in all the ways you are hoping for.
I love you All,
Hermana Levanger
No comments:
Post a Comment