Hello everyone that I just love so much!

How is everyone doing? I hope everyone is excited for Christmas! I know I am! Out here on the island of Palau we are not doing any special parties for Christmas.

We are just going to go out and serve, teach and share the message of Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection. I AM SO EXCITED, I know it will be a Christmas to remember!

So, this week has been full of a lot of struggles but also a lot of tender mercies.

We have been really struggling in our area with finding people that wanted to do more than just listen to our nice message about the savior. We have been wanting to find people that the Lord has prepared who are ready to act on this glorious message. So, through a lot of hard work, and a lot of prayers we have begun to find those people.

The other day while walking we had stopped for a minute to decide where to go next. As we were stopped and a member named “R” drove up next to us. She was on her way home and was also taking one of her coworker’s home. She told us that as they were driving “J” asked her… “Are you a Mormon?” and “R” replied… “yes” then “J” followed up with the greatest question, that every Mormon dreams to hear… “why?”

They talked for a bit while driving and then “R” finally said… “why don’t I just introduce you to some missionaries from our church some time.” and right as she said that, she turned the corner and their Elder call and I were, standing on the side of the road!

She introduced us to “J” and we scheduled a time to go visit him. We visited him a few days later and began to discuss about the restoration with him. The spirit was very strong and when we invited him to be baptized he said yes. “J” has been struggling with depression but he now knows that through Jesus Christ his burdens can be lifted. He is very excited to continue to learn.

Another miracle that happened this week, was that these two kids that I have known for a long time, GJ and Aka, came to church this Sunday!

Now this is a miracle because GJ and Aka have been studying with missionaries for years, but just have never gotten permission to come to church (their parents are very protective).

They are the best kids though, and they know the church is true. Well one day we were driving down the road and we saw GJ and Aka walking so we stopped and talked to them for a bit. While we were talking, they informed us that their mom had finally given them permission to attend church; and that they would be able to come this Sunday, if someone could pick them up.

We called my favorite family the Masters and asked if they could pick GJ and Aka up. They said of course! GJ and Aka were able to come to church and are now very excited to progress towards their baptism!

I know this work is true. I know that through hard work and a whole lot of prayer, we can see miracles happen, and we will begin to see the hand of the lord working in our lives, and in the lives of others.

I know that Christ lives. I know he loves us. I know he is aware of everything we go through.

I love being a part of this work. I love being an instrument in the lord’s hands, to help these wonderful people.

….. And no I am never coming home. Ha-ha

I am going to apply for a “Sons of Mosiah mission” … 12 more years’ baby! Ha-ha (sorry mom)

I love you ALL!