way, we had really fast exchanges on Thursday morning because Sister Packard and Tucker are STL's (Sister Training Leaders) and so they went to MLC (Mission Leader Conference). Sister Andersen and I went and volunteered and a soup kitchen and it was lots of work, serving and decorating, but also lots of fun! Also, we were running a bit late to the service but driving on the way we drove past Sister Andersen's investigator, Guy. He's a homeless man they'd been teaching, but
recently had made up excuses not to meet with them. So it was miracle because we just pulled over and gave a short lesson there. Guy understood that he needed to learn more, he just didn't feel good
enough. Wow, it was definitely inspired and we were at the right place at the right time!
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We ran into the Elders less active they are working with, Gerry, so we took a
picture with him!
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Sister Andersen and I feasting after out labors!
Afterwards we went to an investigators house named Eileen where we made Christmas cookies! Eileen is the kindest old lady on the planet, but she is already firm in her faith and doesn't have a strong desire to learn more. We keep visiting her though because she always has lots of connections in the community and people for us to visit, and she is a cookie making expert, so we bring those people the cookies we make with her. She's a good finding resource, and she is always learning to hear about our faith, so who knows? Here are some pictures of the district with our aprons and cookies galore!
We did lots of caroling door approaches, handing out bags of some of the cookies with Light the World cards in them. People were a lot more accepting when we had carols and cookies for them. Who knew? A family member in the ward, the Weeds came along with us. Here are some pictures of us in the snow!
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| Elders... |
The biggest event was probably the mission Christmas conference. We had to have special permission to have the entire mission together, but oh man, what a wonderful conference it was. It started with John Mishock's baptism. The entire mission gathered in the chapel for the beginning talks, but the members of the ward and those involved of the teaching of John got to sit and watch the baptism live, while it was broadcast to the the entire mission in the chapel. Being in John's ward it was so amazing getting to see him baptized. He really had been waiting such a long time, and the excitement on his face was undeniable. He kept jumping up and down, even in the baptismal font.
After that I was able to sing "Mary Did You Know" for everyone while John dried off. It was such a joy being able to sing and I really have such a strong testimony of the power of music. This was especially true this Christmas season as we were able to lift people's spirit with song. A side note, but something we did the next day on Christmas was go see Sister Chiverton one last time, the woman we visited on Thanksgiving in the hospital. We visit her consistently on Sunday, but this last Christmas Sunday was probably the last time we would see her. Her health is deteriorating and a lot of people didn't think she would make it to Christmas. We simply stepped in and sang The First Noel to her, and that was all she needed really. Sometimes that's all people really need. I invite you to listen to a hymn, Christmas or not, and really listen to the power and Spirit that comes from it. I promise, it will bring peace to your heart, even in the most trying of circumstances.
So the rest of the Christmas conference was great. There was a white elephant gift exchange and different activities. The NYRM is one crazy mission, but seeing everyone really made me realize the special spirit we each have, and the joy it is to be able to serve in this sacred area. Here are some pictures from that!
Christmas Day is up next! Wow, it was so great being able to Skype with you all! It was such a special experience telling the family about all the mission stories. I will admit, seeing you all made me realize how much I miss the family, but I know I am where I need to be, and am very excited to continue making more missionary memories and stories. I got the Christmas package a couple of days earlier and put all the presents under the tree to be opened on Christmas. Thank you family for everything!!! Many of the supplies were much needed, especially the candy ð%%%
I told the family about the Christmas miracle of Lesta!! We'd been meeting with her a while, since Halloween time, but things always come up about church or family and so Lesta has never been able to make it to church. But miraculously everything worked out and we step into church to find the best Christmas miracle ever! Lesta sitting in the pews! This mission isn't the easiest when it comes to
people's interest, so it makes moments like that all the more worth it. Church was a beautiful service filled with music. I sang in the ward choir, which was fun! We spent most of the day at the Ward Mission Leaders home, the Stines. The district wanted to stick together on Christmas but lots of people were skyping families at different times, so we spent a lot of time helping Sister Stine
cooking. Here is a picture of the district on Christmas Day! And since then nothing too eventful has happened. Courtney's been out of town, but we've continued our phone/Skype lessons with her and she is still progressing! Her baptism is coming up very soon, please pray that things will continue progressing for her!
I love you all of you! Thank you for everything you've all done and for helping me have a very merry Christmas! I hope you have a great week!
Hermana Abreu
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