"Such an One as Ye Never Have Beheld"

Merry Christmas! 

This week has been pretty incredible! I've always looked forward with a kind of dread for my first Christmas away from home, and even though I miss everyone terribly, this Christmas was one of the best ever! 

I have to apologize, especially to mom, but the library we usually go to is closed, and the one today doesn't have a way to upload my pictures. So expect extras next week! 

Last week was awesome though. Elder Hutchings was sick on Tuesday, but was doing much better on Wednesday! Wednesday was one of the coolest days of my mission. One of my favorite people in our ward, Sister Fesler, was able to attend the temple, and receive her endowments! It was amazing to be a part of that, and to stand in the celestial room with her and so many others I've grown to love in my time here. 

Then we headed to Hannibal for an exchange! It'd been over a week since I'd done any knocking, and I've never been so happy about it! It was an awesome exchange! 

Friday was our Christmas Zone Conference! It was super fun and filled with ugly sweaters. It was a great time! Every district in the conference sang a Christmas song, and we had some great trainings from our leaders. It was amazing! 

Then Saturday came! It was the first time in weeks that we had a full day to work in our area. I loved it! We were able to visit Linda, and it was one of the most powerful experiences of my mission. We taught her about the Word of Wisdom, and she is so ready to change! She gave us all of her smoking stuff and said that she felt a power come into her as we promised her blessings and she made promises. It was amazing to witness the power that comes when we use our authority to make promises on behalf of Christ, and to call people to repentance. I think that's what the Book of Mormon means by, "Power and Authority". It's truly humbling to bear both of those things, and it would be impossible to bear that responsibility without the Atonement of Christ. Missionary work is a miracle. 

Then it was Christmas eve!!!! Church was awesome, and full of beautiful music and messages! But the best part of the day was the snow!!!! We woke up to two inches of fresh powder, and I felt like a little kid! In fact, we actually made a snowman! But anyway, after church we went with the Zone Leaders and shoveled driveways for the afternoon. It was the best. 

That night we went to the Bairs for dinner. They are so amazing, and try so hard to make their home into our home. It was an amazing evening. 

Christmas was great! We spent the morning opening presents, then we played risk with the Zone leaders (it was the most even game I've ever played. Anyone could've won at any point. It was awesome!) Then we went to the Seamans for Lunch and to Skype! It was so great to see the family! Then we visited some people in the hospital, and with to Richard's for dinner. It was a great day! 

That's about it for now! I love you all, hope you have an amazing week, and a happy new year!!! 

(Pics and poem on Monday.)

​Merry Christmas!​

Note from the Mom: I have some pictures, so I'll add them here! 
Zone Conference Christmas party

That IS an ugly sweater.




Christmas Eve surprise text from some ward member! I love it when those come in.  Here they are at the Christmas party with a member, I don't know his name. 

Best Christmas present ever!! Talking to him was so fun, and he was all smiles.

All smiles indeed-great cheeser!


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