December 31, 2018
Funny: It finally snowed! When I got my call to North Dakota
I figured I would be in for a hard winter, but since I am in Hot Springs South
Dakota, we just barely got snow yesterday! It snowed a few times earlier in the
year, but it was all melted and gone for most of December. This might just be
my first Christmas without snow, who would have thought South Dakota would be
so nice!
: This is the first Christmas I have had where my main focus
was truly to turn outwards and serve others. I can testify that giving brings
SO much more joy than receiving. There is a boy we are teaching who is only 15,
his mom had to be rushed into a surgery on Christmas day, and he was left home
alone. That day we felt prompted to go visit them, when we found out what had happened,
we went back home got some of the gifts and candy that we had received and gave
it all to him so that he could still feel some Christmas joy and love despite
his hard circumstances. The rest of the day we spent visiting with the lonely
sick and afflicted in nursing homes. It will forever be a Christmas I cherish.
I learned that the best gift I could ever receive is giving freely to
others.
Where I'm at: We spent Christmas eve and morning with some
members in our ward. They fed us probably one of the fanciest meals I have ever
had in my life! It was such a great day! I feel very blessed. I think 2018 has
been one of the best years of my life! I can't wait to see what 2019 brings! I
love you all SO much thank you for all that you have done for me!
Wash te chi lock ey!