The week of Christmas always leans a little more toward the fun side of mission life than the work-like-a-dog side. We didn`t have as many lessons as I would have liked, but we did get to visit a LOT of members and help them feel the Spirit of Christmas. We had seven invitations from members to eat on Christmas Eve, and yes, we did go to all seven. What we couldn`t eat in the moment we packaged up and took home. By now, I only have a few leftovers left.
It was great to see my family on Skype on Christmas Day! I felt a little odd, though. My little brother has turned into a tall, deep-voiced teenager. My little sister is also tall, and is becoming a beautiful young woman. Time sort of freezes while you`re in the mission. Missionaries have a tendency to forget that life goes on as normal at home. We`re so completely wrapped up in a whole different world that we forget the old world. At least, I have forgotten a lot about what it was like to live in Utah, USA. It`s a bit of a culture shock to talk to your family and see the inside of your house, and everything.
I hope you all had GREAT Christmases! This week I only want to make on invitation: look around. Take your eyes away from this screen a moment to see who is by your side, or to think of all the people that surround you. They are your family, your friends, your neighbors... hasta the little old lady in the grocery store. I invite you to look for the needs of those people. Be Christ`s hands in blessing the sick, comforting the sad, and strengthening the weary. Even if you think you yourself are in need of a blessing, or comfort, or strength, focusing outward instead of inward will help you feel the Spirit of God, and will bring you happiness.
I`ll be doing it too, this week. We will see miracles.
Love,
Hna Henrie
Very sage advice; I like it!
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