Week 20 - MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas!! It really doesn’t feel like Christmas here because it is so hot, but oh well. I can’t decide if that is better or worse!!

But yeah... This week we went to Lima for a conference for Christmas with all of the missionaries. I was so happy to see all my friends. We talked about the birth of Christ obviously and I have heard the story a million times, but every time especially here in the mission I learn something new. This week I thought about the quote that says, “Are you part of the INN crowd, or part of the STABLE few?” It is a silly phrase, but I have thought about it a lot. I will be the first to tell you that I love my clothes. I love my 40 pairs of shoes at home. I love going out to eat or to the movies. I didn’t really realize how high maintenance I was before coming here. But with that being said... Being here has taught me a lot. I see people all the time with very little, and they are still so kind and loving and giving. They are an example to me. Life isn’t about the worldly things and neither is Christmas. It is about Christ and the people!

Also in our multi-zone conference we did skits, and I am happy to tell you that everyone thinks it is so funny that I am truly afraid of Santa Claus. I however do not think it is funny, and when someone in a full out Santa suit came in I had a little panic attack and almost had to walk out. So yeah, that’s awesome. 

We also had a baptism this week. Her name is Doris, and she is wonderful. She bore a really awesome testimony after her baptism about enduring to the end. What a great example to me. I love baptisms! It is what makes it just a little bit worth it. I am grateful that I can help people participate in the atonement which I love so much. I am grateful for my Savior who suffered for me so that I can be cleansed of all the things that I do imperfectly. 

Merry Christmas! As much as I wish I was home I am grateful for the opportunity to be serving and also for the chance to talk to my family tomorrow!!

Go to the temple lights and drink lots of hot chocolate and watch all the silly Hallmark movies for me!! 

Love Hermana, Jacey Petersen