Christmas time is here

Let me report about my fantastic Friday. Sister Doherty and I were on exchange. She is the sister missionary from Australia who came and served with Sister Howell and me last March when I was in Whitefield. We were both trained by Sister Davis, so we are kindred spirits (we see things a lot in the same way). People could see that we were happy and had great faith.

In the morning, we went to contact a referral we had received from a couple on the street. This could have been a ten minute walk, which ended up being an hour and a half of speaking to people. The Lord put people in our path to speak to. One of those people was a young man named Mark. He is only 18 and is trying to find that guidance and direction in his life. He recognizes the great benefit faith has in people’s lives, and he wants that in his own. We were able to help him understand more of God’s love for him and how he can feel that in his own life. Most importantly, we opened his mind to new ideas and restored hope in his life. It was amazing to teach him and invite him to baptism!

We continued speaking to people, laughing along the way. I spoke to this one man in Spanish (who I had already met before), and afterward, Sister Doherty asked, “Was that Mexican?” I responded, “Uh, they don’t speak Mexican in Mexico. They speak Spanish.” We just laughed and began speaking to the next person who passed us by. It was natural and conversation flowed.

After that we went to Joanne’s house and helped her clean. It was like your spring deep cleaning in the kitchen, which was good fun. Then teaching her is always a pleasure. She basically teaches herself and has already thought about the things you teach. Joanne continues to be golden :) As the day continued, we continued on in the spirit of service. We went and visited a member, Anna. We shared about faith in Jesus Christ (quite fitting for this Christmas season) and then served her. She had some Christmas wrapping to do, so we volunteered to help. We wrapped gifts for over an hour, so I can’t imagine how long it would have taken one person. Service truly cheers the heart and reminds us of those things that matter most.

As for the funny part of the day. When walking home from Joanne’s the sole of my boot broke off. Hence, I changed to my back-up pair of boots at the flat. I was happy and continued on until we went to Anna’s and the zipper broke on my back-up pair of boots. We safety-pinned my boot, so it would stay on and I just walked around the rest of the night with my boot that way. All we could do was laugh about the situation. I mean honestly, two pairs of boots in one day? And both times it was my left foot. (See picture attached for more detail.)

Besides that, a lot of the same things have been happening: growth, learning, change, speaking, studying, etc. Life is good, and I am enjoying myself. As Grandma Jack says, "Aren't we blessed!" I have to answer enthusiastically, "Yes!" I hope each of you are feeling similar this Christmas season.

Love always, Becca