DECEMBER 19, 2016 

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

AHH! I'm so EXCITED to Skype! This week was really long and random but still super awesome! I forgot to write a few things that happened last week that were really cool though! This email might be a little scattered so I'm just going to bullet point some cool stuff! 

-it DUMPED rain last week. The streets were so flooded! We knocked for a solid hour in knee deep water. It was insane but also so legit at the same time! It got old pretty fast though haha but it’s all part of the experience I guess. 

-We got a new rule that we aren't allowed to be out tracting past 7....Miami is SKETCH

-Our investigator, Victor, prayed for the first time out loud. It was so great! He is so shy and never talks. Last time we asked him to pray we sat in silence for the most awkward 3 minutes of my life. But last week he said the most simple and pure prayer that I have ever heard. It was awesome! 

-Our other investigator, Paula, is seriously my best friend. She is so sassy and hilarious but extremely stubborn. She has been investigating the Church since 2005. But MIRACLE...SHES GETTING BAPTIZED ON THE 31st!!! She came to the ward Christmas party and loved it so much. She brought her husband Rony, we bonded over California Burritos and he has now told me three times that he’s going to take me out to get good Mexican food. He has had a pretty hard heart but now he’s really open! WOO! 

-Best of all, we went with Gabby Jimmy and Manuel to the temple this past Saturday for a temple tour. It was the most beautiful day. I love the temple. It testifies of the power that has been Restored on this earth. Ah. I have no words for this experience. 

-we knocked so many doors this week...SO MANY. Not a lot of people opened which was a bit of a bummer. Missionary work is always a ride and I have never been so tired in my life haha but it’s so rewarding! Last night I realized that a lot of people just don't understand the role or the need of Christ in their life. Many people here have been through things in life that I can’t even imagine going through and have an attitude of hopelessness. I have never felt so sad talking to people before. I have never wanted to help someone more. Last night we ran into a lot of people like this. I just testified of the Light of Christ and the true power of the gospel. I shared the Light the World video with this guy who was sitting on his porch and it was so powerful. Sometimes I just want to shake people and make them realize how much Christ LOVES them!

Ahhh. I love these people so much. This experience is life changing and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I’m really looking forward to this upcoming week. We are going caroling and doing lots of service. (&hopefully a lot of bike riding)! Paula is also teaching me out to make Tamales. Anyway, I love you all so much and am thankful for everything you do for me! This is such a wonderful season and I'm forever grateful to spend it here in Miami. I pray for you all every day. Merry Christmas!