Sister Jack: Happy New Year!

Hope the Christmas holidays and new year went well. I enjoyed my time with friends eating food, talking, watching films, and playing games. I learned how to play the game Canasta (I think the family has it but we never played because we didn't know how). I also watched Brave, The Adventures of Tintin, and Rio. I enjoyed the films and relaxing a bit. I even got to see Sister Howes (my old companion) who is home now. She came up for new years, so we spent time together. We even ate some Chinese food (see the picture attached). It is nice to have a bit of a change, but I am also excited to get back to work because you start to feel lazy as you really don't accomplish much with your time. During Christmas, we continued in our spirit of service by singing carols at care homes and visiting someone in the hospital. Then as I lay awake in bed on New Years’ Eve, I decided one goal I have this year is to pray each morning to be able to serve someone. I know it will invite daily personal revelation as well as the good spirit that comes from serving others. I am excited for the little acts of service I will render each and every day.

We had transfers. I am staying in the Manchester YSA ward. I know it is definitely a surprise, since this is the area I will have served in the longest. My new companion is Sister Crookston. She is from Provo, UT. She also went to BYU and studied Math Education. Hence, we are a perfect match! It will definitely be a good last transfer. I am excited for the miracles that lie ahead. In many ways, a mission is like a race and everyone keeps telling me to sprint to the finish, so I am building up to that. We'll definitely get some good work done, and I will let you know all about it.

One another note, Joanne is doing well. She told us today that this Christmas has been the best, happiest Christmas she has had in the last five years since her mother passed away. Joanne credited it to the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is wonderful to witness her commitment to the gospel and desire to endure to the end. She has been reading her scriptures daily and faithfully attends church, despite how well or bad she is feeling. She is an example to us all :)

Hope all is going well for you. Have a lovely week.

Love, Sister Jack

p.s. Photos:

1. Sister Howes and me