Man the time flies........

Hello Everyone,

Another week is gone. Man the time flys. On Friday I celebrated my 18th month mark!! That means only 6 to go. It also means that Tim is pretty much home already. Wow. Time flys when you're having fun right? Niceville is doing great and we just got into the spirit of Christmas (We had to wait until after Thanksgiving).

This week Elder Bell and I put up our Christmas tree. It is a lot bigger than the one I had last year. (2 feet) This one is 6 feet, but we have no lights or ornaments. But that is ok, because we spend most of our time in other homes and they do have a Christmas tree. With lots of lights and crazy ornaments too. We also had a parade in Niceville for Christmas. That was a first for me. Usually its too cold during December, but here in Florida we had a big parade. That night they did the Tree Lighting for the City. We weren't able to go to that, but we heard all about it. Last night was the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. It was great. President Uchtdorf, President Eyring and President Monson all spoke to us. All of them talked about having a Christ centered Christmas and how each of us can focus on him by focusing on others. President Eyring shared with us that we all like to give Food to those who do not have it or who are in need of it, then he went on to describe how the greatest gift we can give anybody is the 'Bread of Life'. Christ. We can give Christ to someone's life. I liked that one, mostly because that's all I do. It makes me feel good that I'm doing what I'm supposed to.

Our investigators are doing well. We talked to Sister Chabot about providing a date for her Children to get baptized. They are all preparing well and ready for it, we just need Sister Chabot's permission and a few more lessons. We are hoping to set a date with them this Tuesday. They didn't come to church yesterday because Sister Chabot was sick. Lame.

Karren Barrett is also doing really well. We were able to teach her again on Wednesday. We brought Brother Howell with us. Brother Howell is an older member, but his testimony is like a rock. He lost his wife about a year ago and has no other desires than to return to be with her. Its killing him being apart from her. This makes him perfect for the lesson with Karren. Karren lost her husband about a year ago and was very upset about his loss. She blames many things, but we think the gospel will help her see the true light. She came to church with us yesterday, but could only stay for the first two hours. She wasn't comfortable staying for Relief Society, mostly because Sister Walker wasn't there. She had been Karren's buddy last week, but because Sister Walker was sick yesterday, she wasn't able to be there for Karren. And Karren didn't feel comfortable with anyone else yet. We kind of have to pull her leg, gently of course, to come with us to church. She's not completely comfortable yet, but we are working on that.

It seems like sickness has taken its toll in Niceville. There have been cancellation after cancellation. Its hard to teach when everyone is sick. I, however, have not been sick yet. :) It may have something to do with my random crave for Orange Juice lately. I think I've had 3 gallons in the last 2 weeks. Yum!

Any ways, the mission is awesome. Those who say otherwise just haven't lost themselves in the greatest work on the Earth yet. The spirit will come to them soon though. It comes to everyone in their own way and in their own time. We just have to be happy, ready and willing to take those people in when they are ready. Not judgingly, but rejoicingly. Grateful that they are once again back in our presence. Yay!!

Love Elder Call