Every week is a journey. I have really increased in patience.
Hopefully it’s patience. Maybe it’s endurance? One of the two. There’s
been a couple opportunities I had this week to get really upset, but I
stayed quiet and tried to show kindness instead. That is extremely
difficult for me to do. My mind goes back to a favorite movie of mine,
“Fireproof” where a husband is trying to repair things with his wife
that wants a divorce. He does many kind acts of service and love that
go unnoticed. He takes a walk with his Dad and unloads on him, “How
can I continue showing love for someone over and over while they just
spit in my face?…” After his rant, they end up being in a Christian
campsite and he looks up at his dad who was leaning on a cross. He
explains that that is what Christ felt. It gives me strength. It’s
hard, but everytime I start to feel alone or down or uncertain, I feel
that burning in my heart. The role of the Holy Ghost that comforts. I
am so grateful. I will remember those moments for the rest of my life.

Our Christmas service project ended up being really great. It started
by spending time with some elderly people. We talked with them, sung
to them, helped them feel loved. As a zone we met all of them in that
building and had 2 hours left. We took some trash bags to a park and
picked up trash. Elder Tupe and I went down to the river bed and there
was soooo much to pick up, it was awesome! It was some great hard
work. I really enjoyed it.

This week was very cool to see the growth of Sylvie, Rufus, and Luis.
They are spreally starting to move along and Its only a matter of time
before they commit to come to the waters of baptism.

We had Sylvie over to the Boyntons (senior missionary couple) for a
lesson and read the Book of Mormon with her. At first she got really
frustrated that she needed us to explain every verse, but after a
while, she was understanding them all and didn’t need explainations!
We asked her if she would read the rest of the chapter on her own and
she said shed love to! She hasnt read on her own before. We also asked
her to say the closing prayer and she did! First time praying in 5
years. She came to church!

Rufus says he might just end up joining with us eventually. He knows
its true, he just needs to act. Weve found his concerns and are
working to overcome them. He is finally reading and praying on his
own!! He came to church!

We went over to a lessactive sister in the wards home to help her
start the process if coming back. While we were there, we realized
there was a couple people in the home and asked the sister if theyd
join us. She went into the back and brought out Alyssa! We planned on
teaching the sister the missionary lessons to help her grow in faith –
so we taught the restoration! Alyssa was really interested! She said
shes been wanting to learn about Christ and come to church so
after,mshe said shed get baptized on Jan 30th if she finds its true!
We will meet with them twice a week!

We taught Luis and double and triple checked to make sure he was
coming to church and a member picked him up!! He really enjoyed it!

We had great experiences this week and very glad that the doors are
opening for us.

I thank you for a wonderful skype call on Christmas! It was very great
to hear from all of you and see how much you’ve all grown. Keep it
up!!

Elder Householder