Merry Christmas!

First off. Merry Christmas! I know. I know. It is one day late - and I missed last week's update as well. I'm slacking off over here. My bad. I send my sincerest apologies. Don't worry, though. Missionary work continues, as ever. And the memories are overflowing.

 

A couple of Fridays back, Elder Thorkelson and I met a young man - seemingly prepared to receive the Gospel. But to make this story good, we have to start with just how awful the day was going up until that point.

 

Bunks. No, not just one. Everyone. We had nothing. So we decided to park the car at a less-active member's house (an excuse to see them), and buzz gates in town. To be honest, we weren't all keen on going. The first man who spoke to us gave us a number to call later (just to let us know that he wasn't interested). Another man chased us off of his property after we were invited in. And a lady kept us talking... yea. She expressed her disbelief in Churchianity and festivities. She knew who we were and couldn't bring herself to even touch a "Mormon tract".

Now, don't get me wrong. Each of these people have their own lives going on. They have their own understanding, and qualities. Good and bad. As do us all. It's just unfortunate to see how few are ready to receive the truth.

After continued attempts and repeated rejection, we decided to go to another part of the area to check up on some former investigators. A young man, doing his third year in accounting, came down the road with his bicycle. He looked at us weirdly, so we approached him. Turns out, he had started his holiday with a prayer to know more about Christ. He was searching.

We met him the next day. He had read. He understood. And he had questions. The next day he came to Church. Elder Thorkelson says it was one of the most powerful lessons we've taught together. He was prepared.

Now, for missionary work, there will always be stories. For now, it is the day after Christmas. I'd like to share what happened there.

Presents! Yep, my companion and I got presents for each other. And getting them was a bit of a challenge. You see, we're always together. We needed to use other people - have secret conversations - and take advantage of exchanges.

To remember him, and his jock-like nature, he bought me a soccer jersey. Two. He gets to keep one. The collars are yellow. Apparently it was intentional. To know more about the yellow story, contact me later (or ask someone who knows me). It may be the only sports jersey I own, but I like it.

It was also nice having Christmas stockings from both our families. I particularly like the key-chain my mom and sister got me with a picture of them.

I was glad to see Elder Thorkelson playing with his gift from me. A wand. And a rugby ball.

Christmas was a good day. Especially being able to speak to family. I'll be seeing them soon! It balanced out the bad news we received the night before. I call it The Nightmare Before Christmas, Delivered Straight From the Grinch Himself.

Do you wanna know what it is? Elder Thorkelson is leaving.

But lets not end on a bad note. I'd like to end with a song in Prince of Egypt. Hope your Christmas was great!

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song
We barely understood,
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains
Long before we knew we could...

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear
When prayer so often proved in vain
Hope seemed like the summer birds
Too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here (now I'm standing here)
With heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say

Miriam and Tzipporah (chorus)

There can be miracles
When you believe (when you believe)
Though hope is frail
Its hard to kill (Its hard to kill)
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve (You can achieve)
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

A-shir-ra I'a-do-nai ki ga-oh ga-ah
(I will sing to the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously)
A-shir-ra I'a-do-nai ki ga-oh ga-ah
(I will sing to the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously)
Mi-cha-mo-cha ba-e-lim adonai
(Who is like You, oh Lord, among the celestials)
Mi-ka-mo-cha ne-dar-ba-ko-desh
(Who is like You, majestic in holiness)
Na-chi-tah v'-chas-d'-cha am zu ga-al-ta
(In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed)
Na-chi-tah v'-chas-d'-cha am zu ga-al-ta
(In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed)
A-shi-ra, a-shi-ra, A-shi-ra
A-shir-ra I'a-do-nai ki ga-oh ga-ah
(I will sing to the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously)
A-shir-ra I'a-do-nai ki ga-oh ga-ah
(I will sing to the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously)
Mi-cha-mo-cha ba-e-lim adonai
(Who is like You, oh Lord, among the celestials)
Mi-ka-mo-cha ne-dar-ba-ko-desh

(Who is like You, majestic in holiness)
Na-chi-tah v'-chas-d'-cha am zu ga-al-ta
(In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed)
Na-chi-tah v'-chas-d'-cha am zu ga-al-ta
(In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed)
A-shi-ra, a-shi-ra, A-shi-ra

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
Its hard to kill (It's hard to kill)
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve (you can achieve)
When you believe
Somehow you will
Now you will
You will when you believe...

You will when you believe