Merry Christmas and Happy new year!

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 January 1, 2024

Hey everyone long time no see. I'm doing pretty well out here in Roseburg. My previous companion just left for Springfield and my new comp, Elder Bousfield, is awesome. He's a huge metal head (loves rock) and I am facing endless waves of nostalgia as he plays some of my favorite songs on the guitar and drums. He's pretty good too. Anyway long story short holidays are always rough on the mission. Not a whole lot of people want to random guys to visit their family when the festivities are going but luckily I'm not sick and my companion isn't sick so it could be worse. 

Our friends are progressing really well, we are teaching 5ish people and I'm getting a lot better with teaching English. The English class is growing slowly and a couple of them want to come to church! Woo hoo!
This year has gone by in a blur, I have learned so much. It's become so much easier to see the good in all things. It is amazing to see God working in the lives of everyone around me and especially in my own life. I've grown to love the people, even though almost everyone in Oregon is weird, and desire to help them in anyway I can. I'm sorry to say I'm still quite awkward and I'm terrified to just walk up to people and talk but I have developed so many skills to cope with that anxiety and work on getting to know people for who they are. We all aren't so different after all.
I love all of you and I hope 2024 treats you well! 

Spiritual thought:

Christmas season has come and passed but that is no reason to stop being focused on Jesus Christ. In Christ's sermon on the mount he tells us,
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house; Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Let your light shine! Keep giving, keep serving, and be bold in your commitment to live others. Christ is the reason for the season but he's also the reason for everything good in your life.

Miracles of the week:
-One of our friends was praying at work and he felt a strong impression to change and leave his old ways behind. He is now excited to learn with an open mind and to truly seek answers from God!
-We were finally able to meet with one of our Spanish speaking friends and find out his background about why he has been meeting with the missionaries for a few years. He is so kind and is seeking to live what we teach.
-Many people didn't get along with my previous companion but over the last few weeks we were together we really started to click even though we are both very different
-Biggest miracle of all I got to call and chat with everyone for Christmas and stuff + I survived 2023


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