Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. This year I recieved the best Christmas gift I have ever recieved in my life. Yesterday was definitely the best day I have had mission this far. It was wonderful. I learned this past week at our Christmas conference that wonderful in hebrew means miracle. So yesterday definitely was wonderful. It was so amazing, I have never felt so much joy in my life. What happened yesterday trumps anything up to my life this far. It was sweeter than playing in the state basketball tournament in high school. Sweeter than Beck to Harline to beat Utah (I know sounds crazy, right?)! But it is true. so last week I told you how Joshua Isaac got baptized, right? Well, this week he was confirmed, and he received the aaronic priesthood. The most amazing part of this experience was that his wife Akie, ditched work to make sure she was there for that. We didn't know he would be receiving the priesthood yesterday, but the bishop saw that his wife was with him, and made sure she would be there to see him recieve the priesthood. It was the most amazing thing! He was so happy. I asked him after he met with the bishop when he would be receiving the priesthood, and he got this big smile on his face, looked at me and said he just did! It was wonderful, and then before leaving he looked at me and said, "I'm a man now aren't I?" Hahaha...It made me laugh. But it is true. He really is a man of God now, and holds God's power, and will one day be a great leader here in Botswana. So, that was the best gift his family could have ever received, and it is no coincidence it happened this time of the year. It was also such a sweet experience for me. My joy was so full after that moment. Words cannot describe how much joy and happiness I felt. A joy that is lasting. Even sweeter than BYU beating Utah with no time on the clock. It was wonderful. And I am so happy for what this priesthood will do for Joshua and his family, expecially as he will be baptizing his wife in a couple of months! The church is true. It changes lifes. It has changed mine, and continues to change mine daily. So this Christmas remember the true meaning of Christmas, and the greatest gift that has ever been given to anyone, the gift of the Atonement. Think about it this Christmas, enjoy the temporal gifts you will be given, but please, more importantly remember the spiritual gifts your Father in Heaven and your Savior, Jesus Christ have given you. I love all you, and wish you all a Merry Christmas!