The Holidaze recap

Oi gente! 

Sorry it's been so long, a loooot has happened. Christmas is an interesting time to be a missionary. Thankfully we were able to call our families, so that was super fun, but it definitely felt different. I got some pretty sweet gifts, Elder Thompsons family spoiled me, so we joked a lot that they got me more presents than my own family as I had told my family not to get me much as they had been spoiling me over the past months. It's crazy how much more you appreciate socks as presents the older you get. Maybe it's just a missionary thing, but I love my cool looking socks.

With the holidays, not too many people want to be contacted, but we were still able to teach a few new people. A few girls on Facebook thought Elder Thompson was cute, so that was pretty funny, although we didn't end up teaching them much, sorry girls, we're unavailable as long as we're wearing our tags haha. 

I also had my 21st birthday last week, which was surreal. In terms of missionaries I'm an old man, never thought that would happen. My Aunt and Uncle live really close so I was lucky to be able to see them a few times during the holidays, that's really rare, and then they brought me a very nice cake and all the fixings for my birthday, so I'm thankful for that. I got treated very well during Christmas and for my birthday, Elder Thompson and I had more cookies, candy and cake than we knew what to do with. 

 Sadly, I'm finally leaving Castle Rock, so I doubt I'll remain as spoiled. That's ok, I've never lived in a small town, so going to the San Luis Valley should be a fun experience. I'll miss a lot about Castle Rock, but especially the people I've met. The members I've gotten to know and the people we've been able to teach and serve have been amazing. Although serving a missionary during Covid is hard, I have seen so many blessings in my life. There are always challenges but being able to see and help others come unto Christ here in Castle Rock has been one of the biggest blessings of my life.

 Over my time here, I've heard the scripture Alma 26:27 in the Book of Mormon a few times, and I love it. It says: 27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy





brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. Alma was a missionary at this time, and wasn't having much success, in fact he was often getting beaten and thrown out of cities for preaching the word of God.

 I love this verse because it shows that often, the Lord gives us trials to see how we will do, but that doesn't mean he has forgotten us. If we turn to Him he will help us through every trial we face in life. 


 I invite each of you to look for the hand of the Lord in your trials and in your blessings and thank Him. He is in every detail. 


My mom gave my companion a Utah Sweatshirt and beanie and tie, he already had the socks and shorts - he's a huge Utes fan but idk if you should wear them all at once

 

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