Dear Family and Friends,
How was everyone’s Christmas? My Christmas was wonderful!
The 24th here is celebrated more than the 25th, so on the 24th we had a huge
dinner with some people we are teaching and the president let us stay out a
little later. People here stay up until 4 am blasting music, drinking, and
dancing and most people start dinner at midnight! Crazy right!? We woke up at
6:30 Christmas morning to loud music and some funny partied out people. I asked
my companion Sister Barros if she would like to read Luke 2 with me Christmas
morning. We read together and it was a special moment. Then after lunch I was
able to Skype my family. It was incredible! One of the members here told all of
us missionaries that we would truly learn and feel the true meaning and spirit
of Christmas here in the mission. I was struggling to understand what he meant
because at the time I wasn’t feeling anything close to the spirit of Christmas I
felt at home. But he was so right! Christmas isn’t about the decorations,
Presents, or food. Christmas is about sharing love with those you love. I didn’t open a single present on Christmas
day, but my heart was fuller than any other Christmas. I can’t put into words
the overwhelming joy I felt talking to my family. It was better than any
present I could have ever received. I was filled with pure joy and couldn’t
stop smiling, it was like walking on air to spend a few minutes talking to
them. It was as if time stopped and every worry was washed away. At the end of
the Skype call, I asked if we could have a family prayer and if my dad could
say it. During the prayer, I opened my eyes and looked at my beautiful family
kneeling together and I felt, just for a moment like I was with them. It was
literally a glimpse of heaven. The overwhelming joy and love I was feeling was
the true spirit of Christmas and I know that my family was feeling it too. i am
so blessed to have such a special family that supports me and love me even with
my imperfections. I love them more than words can express and am so grateful
for the sacrifices they are making for me. I know the work I am doing had the
capacity to change lives and bring others pure joy. The gospel is true and I am
so grateful for that knowledge in my life.
I love you all and hope you have a wonderful new
year!!
Until 2014!!!
Love always,
<3 Sister Sender
Ps: take time to reflect on
2013 and see just how much has changed/ happened in your life! It is incredible
how the Lord really does direct our lives! Love you all!
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