The Week Christmas Crafting Began‏

On this week's episode of Sister Cale in Columbus-the Sisters went on
a (approved) road trip to London (Ohio), got to attend the Ward Relief
Society Christmas Dinner with one of their investigators, went to Zone
Training Meeting, got to help Sister Kurtz with baby prep service,
helped the Priests learn how to plan lessons, shared #ASaviorisBorn
with anyone and everyone who would watch it, made a missionary style
movie bucket for a sick investigator (complete with General Conference
and Joy to the World as viewing options because we know how to party),
made Great OCM sweats, and watched the Christmas Devotional.

Hi Guys!

Okay, seriously, being a missionary at Christmastime is some kind of
magical. I will happily admit that it also comes with more moments of
homesickness (#AngelsWeHaveHeardOnHigh), but those are far outweighed
with the joy that comes from talking about our Savior with everyone
that we come across. There is something almost tangible in the air
that just feels like anything remarkable could happen. Also on the
bright side, even though it has been sort of chilly, it really hasn't
been super cold yet and it hasn't snowed...yet. I acknowledge that all
these things are coming, but I haven't had to face them yet. I still
skip tights somedays (because I'm crazy).

I really just loved this past week. We were able to share
#ASaviorisBorn with so many people and it was so cool to see the
spirit work with them to encourage them to learn more about the Book
of Mormon and our Savior Jesus Christ through reading it. This last
week has been particularly cool for me as I have read about Christ
coming to the Americas and establishing his gospel here among the
Nephites. I love that the gospel was the same for the Nephites as it
was for the people in Jerusalem as it is for us. I can't imagine what
it would have been like to be there and be taught by the Savior. I am
grateful that through the Holy Ghost I am able to know Jesus Christ
even though I haven't seen him. I am grateful that I have been blessed
to feel of his love and concern for me even though I didn't touch the
wounds in his hands and feet. I am grateful to do his work under his
direction. He is why this season is so magical, because the hope he
offers transcends words.

I loved the Christmas Devotional. We were able to watch with the
Bishop and his wife at their house. Sister Kurtz is amazing. I hope to
be like her someday. Seriously, she is Wonder Woman in the flesh. I
adore her. Her baby is due in a few weeks and she's still working on
home renovation projects and she does all sorts of amazing things for
the Ward. She takes such awesome care of us.

So here are my major take-aways from the Christmas Devotional-

This next week is going to be awesome. I'm excited to see what we learn at Zone Conference and for the other magic this holiday week is bound to include.

The church is true, life is good, God's in charge, and Satan hates you. 

Love,

Jessica