Lighting the World

 

Hello everyone!!! I hope everyone had a great week kicking off December. We had another solid week here! There was sunshine all week long here in Kirkland...it was dreamy! 

First off I want to thank everyone for all the many birthday wishes I received on Tuesday!!! I seriously felt so loved and had such a memorable day. From all the Elders in my district singing me happy birthday over the phone at 6 am, a zone council birthday party, tons of english classes, the best pizza of my life for dinner and a family facetime to blow out birthday candles...it was an awesome day. I will never forget my birthday in the mission field! Also shoutout to my mom for outfitting my apartment in Office themed memes to celebrate...she knows the key to my heart. My old companion Hermana Mason so accurately put it when she called me to say, "You're kicking off your roaring 20's as a nun!" Hahaha not quite there but still funny. Cheers to 20 serving the Lord in my favorite place with some of my favorite people! 

Other than the birthday it was a pretty typical week here in Kirkland! We are teaching lots of English classes and doing lots of Mexican store contacting during the day. The Flores family continues to progress really well and I have really seen a change inside their home since we've taught them! The Spirit is strong as we study the scriptures and answer their questions. They're on date to be baptized this month so everyone keep them in your prayers! The daughter, Karla, has a super strong testimony and is the spiritual rock of their family. The mom, Karina, is progressing really well too but is the most nervous about making this covenant. I really appreciate all of her questions and I know that she has begun to realize that the Church is the best thing possible for her family! The younger son, Josue, is my best friend and is obsessed with his Book of Mormon coloring book. When my companion explained that the baptismal font is like a mini swimming pool, he was more than thrilled to accept the invitation. He announced that he wanted "to go baptizing" right now! Hahahaha he's the best. Don't worry everyone, we have had several more lessons explaining the covenant of baptism to him already ;) We ended our fast Sunday with them having us over for a birthday dinner of Ecuadorian lasagna! They're the sweetest. There is lots of work to be done with this family but I couldn't be more excited to be helping them. 

Light the World started this week!! It's already been so much and tons of people are open to helping us. Light the World as a missionary really is the best and i know December is going to be a BLAST!! It's seriously the best time of the year and I encouragement all of you to participate! No matter how annoying missionaries can get on Facebook...still help us out lighting the world ;)

For a quick spiritual thought I want to share a favorite quote of mine from a recent talk I've studied. Our mission has been doing a Living Christ study guide in our personal studies where every week is focused on a different aspect of Christ's life. This week we focused on studying scriptures, reading talks and watching videos on the Atoning Christ. We were invited to read "None with Him" by Elder Holland from an April conference talk in 2009. I highly recommend reading it if needing a boost during your day. A famous and amazing quote from the end of this talk says, 

"Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so!" 

Elder Holland so eloquently worded this promise to us and it has been stuck in my mind all week long. I know that our Savior suffered and endured all the pains of humankind so that each of us can be personally relieved of our hardships and strengthened through our challenges. As the whole world is focusing on Christ this time of year, may we remember that He is always with us! He is walking us through our highest highs and lowest lows and will always be a loving companion when one is needed. The best gift we have ever received is having this relief and love from the Atonement of Jesus Christ! I want all of you to remember the hope that the Savior brings to our lives as you celebrate and enjoy the celebrations of His birth this week! 

I hope everyone has an amazing week!! I feel so blessed to know and love each and everyone of you. Keep enjoying Light the World and the holiday season, even if things may be different in our world. I love you all tons!!! 

Sending love from chilly Seattle!!

Difícil es bueno.

Xoxoxo Hermana Christensen 

My Office