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!