Well.. this blog will be rather short this week but I would like to open with how much I absolutely adored the Christmas Broadcast this year. I really never took advantage of such things before my mission. I hope I never lose my love for conference talks and devotionals like that. I loved how Elder Uchtdorf recalled the story of the Grinch (even though he did make me a little trunky! Especially in the part where he talked about apple cider.. mmmm. Absolutely killed some of the elders hahaha). Elder Uchtdorf.. I just unfailingly enjoy every message he ever offers. I felt very very touched by the other two addresses given as well, especially about the Atonement. We had 3 investigators (people of strong character and potential) who came to the devotional and I think they really did love it and feel the spirit. I did get to watch it in English, by the way, and it was glorious. Just an excellent way to celebrate the season in my opinion.
I am not exactly sure how Christmas is spent here just yet. I have gotten contrasting answers and some folks absolutely detest the celebration of Christmas. For others it is by far the best day of the year, for whatever reason. the 24th of December is supposedly the biggest day of the entire year though. It is supposed to be filled with fiestas - for all you gringos reading this that means parties :) - and yelling and noise and FOOD and dancing dancing dancing. For me it will be spent working and I am happy with that. My line of work really does bring a sense of achievement and a level of happiness and satisfaction that is impossible to describe right now.
I am feeling great here in Nicaragua overall. I am happy even though I am a chronic worry-wart - does that make sense? My life is an oxymoron hahahah it really is. I am so opposite in every aspect of my personality. But hey that is why we are friends right? We are really starting to get to know a lot of great people and have helped some people with many personal issues and obstacles (including myself sometimes!). It is ever amazing to me how we all really do have our own individual battle here in the world. I love it when questions of the soul are finally able to receive an answer. Sometimes I think I focus so much on the big big big overall picture and all the millions of things when really all I have to do is zone in on one thing at a time. I think I have never really been very good at that. But everything is possible with the help of the Lord. I know that. I testify of that every day. Some folks dismiss others as lost causes but I can say that I know there is almost no such thing as a lost cause. They are very very few and far between. Sometimes all someone needs is a friend to really listen. To really be there. To help to resolve the real problem that is hidden underneath.
I am not exactly sure how Christmas is spent here just yet. I have gotten contrasting answers and some folks absolutely detest the celebration of Christmas. For others it is by far the best day of the year, for whatever reason. the 24th of December is supposedly the biggest day of the entire year though. It is supposed to be filled with fiestas - for all you gringos reading this that means parties :) - and yelling and noise and FOOD and dancing dancing dancing. For me it will be spent working and I am happy with that. My line of work really does bring a sense of achievement and a level of happiness and satisfaction that is impossible to describe right now.
I am feeling great here in Nicaragua overall. I am happy even though I am a chronic worry-wart - does that make sense? My life is an oxymoron hahahah it really is. I am so opposite in every aspect of my personality. But hey that is why we are friends right? We are really starting to get to know a lot of great people and have helped some people with many personal issues and obstacles (including myself sometimes!). It is ever amazing to me how we all really do have our own individual battle here in the world. I love it when questions of the soul are finally able to receive an answer. Sometimes I think I focus so much on the big big big overall picture and all the millions of things when really all I have to do is zone in on one thing at a time. I think I have never really been very good at that. But everything is possible with the help of the Lord. I know that. I testify of that every day. Some folks dismiss others as lost causes but I can say that I know there is almost no such thing as a lost cause. They are very very few and far between. Sometimes all someone needs is a friend to really listen. To really be there. To help to resolve the real problem that is hidden underneath.
Merry Christmas, Courtney. I enjoyed reading your Christmas entry. Stephen's with us here in Murphy so my little family's together. Hopefully you'll get the package and letter I sent.
ReplyDeleteYou're in our thoughts and prayers!