Aloha Aloha Aloha Aloha Aloha Aloha :)

Happy 11th month

Hi!!

This week has been so good. I am so shocked it's already emailing day. I feel like the longer I'm out, the more I just feel like i'll tell stories when I get home. :))))

I am loving this holiday season. It is so warm and lovely (sometimes rainy) but pretty wonderful weather here and also people, especially the military people decorate all out, so it's fun to get best of both worlds. This morning we were listening to Christmas music with AC full blast trying to get the feel hahah it's a little different, but nothing better as a missionary :) Also some families have different Christmas trees-like fake palm trees or something. Fun. 

But I am so grateful. We have been trying to work hard and be obedient, and of course we have improvements still, but we have already seen fruit from the efforts. We have many investigators and I feel like we get to meet many potentials too. Luckily we are surrounded by filapinos, who are so much more open then everyone else. So at least we have a chance to share the gospel. I know other areas here are really difficult to find. But also, being military is different because we can't find on our own. But it's great because it reminds me back of BYUH days where we relied so much on members, and finding new ideas how to work with these members here. I also have grown a greater appreciation for those who serve our country. What a sacrifice! To them and their families. 

We had one of our wards Christmas parties. It was a blast. I have really come to learn the importance of members in missionary work. I hope and pray anyone reading this will make a bigger effort to reach out to those they don't know at church functions or other events, because that can be a big moment for that person in feeling loved and welcomed. Never ignore those promptings to talk to someone else :) 

I really love my companion as well. We work really well together and are laughing a lot as well, which makes me happy :) I am glad to see how being humble and patient can lead to more charity and also more happiness :) 

I'm so grateful for the emails, letters, ward poster haha, packages, and all the prayers. It doesn't make me trunky at all, actually, it just makes me smile! I am glad to have this Christmas here. It's so fun and I miss you all, but it'll be great to see your faces on Christmas! Plus I get to experience other families traditions and spirit. I'm pumped :) Love you all so much.

I hope your Light the World challenge is still going. The gospel really is all about loving others and service. it's through the teachings of Jesus Christ that we can return back to God, but how to uplift others along the way. It's the best. 

Love sister Nielsen 🌸