here in Kentucky was great! We were invited over by Brother and Sister
Wolf and little Zara to celebrate Christmas Eve with them. They put on
a wonderful dinner for us called Riclett (sp?). We got to cook our own
meat and vegetables with different kinds of cheeses. My family knows
how much I love cheese. On Christmas, the T's had us over for
dinner and then allowed us to Skype home to our families. I was so
nervous to call home! I didn't want to be a blubbering mess, but I
kept it together until I had to say goodbye. It was bittersweet, heavy
on the sweet. I hope you all had a very merry Christmas especially as
you turned your attention to The Savior and His birth. How blessed we
are as followers of Christ.
Monday: We taught B, a woman we found through her husband. She
has had lessons from missionaries before, so it was tough trying to
figure out what we needed to teach her. We felt very inspired to teach
her about the commandment of prayer (3 Ne 18:19-20, Matt. 7:7-8, and 2
Ne 32:8-9). It strengthened my testimony of the power of prayer and
who is behind our thoughts when we don't want to pray.
Tuesday: We found A, J, and J while trying to locate a
less-active. They are an amazing and humble family. They invited us
in, and we taught them The Restoration. We have a return appointment
with them, so we're praying they will pray and receive an answer.
Wednesday: Our lesson with D was amaaazing! A few days ago, we
met him on the street near our apartment. The first time we met with
him, he expressed his feelings about his previous church. He said he
didn't like that he was discouraged from reading The Bible and from
thinking for himself. We had left him with the Book of Mormon and The
Restoration pamphlet, and today he was excited to share what he had
read. He said "I know it's true. It's all true. You know it's true by
how you feel." I was dumbfounded. I couldn't believe how prepared he
is! When we extended the baptismal invitation, he said 'yes' right
away. It was so neat to see how receptive he is and how his experience
with other religions has prepared him experiment upon the word and to
choose for himself.
Thursday: We attended our Christmas Conference in New Albany and had a
blast. We received training from the Assistants to the President in
the morning, ate a delicious lunch provided by the ward, and then
played games in teams. It was hilarious. We were The Gadianton
Ballers, and we dominated the cookie stacking and Rudolph nose
contests. President Brough finished out the conference with an
inspired training called "Where Is Your Heart?" He asked us to
consider the story of Lehi and his family. Are we Laman and Lemuel, or
are we Nephi and Sam? It pricked my heart. I wish I identified more
with Nephi and Sam, so I am grateful that I am able to repent, to
change, and to become like Nephi and Sam, true disciples of Christ.
Friday: We started our day with a lesson with A, L,
E, and A. We found them through TWEing, and they are really
great. We hope to continue teaching them and that they will pray about
the proper authority of God. Our next lesson was with A and his
family. Unfortunately, he wasn't home, but his wife and daughter were
happy to read 3 Nephi 11 with us. Oh, the spirit was so strong in the
lesson. We love them so much, especially their little toddler, A.
Our last lesson with with R. We are encouraging her to become
involved in the YSA Ward here and to help her realize her full
potential. We love her so much and can see how the presence of the
gospel in her life has changed her.
Saturday: We didn't have any appointments, so we went looking for
less-actives and potential investigators. I love the diversity of
Arcadia. We get to talk with so many neat people anywhere from Vietnam
to Sudan. The rest of the evening was spent with the W family. I am
so grateful for their generosity and love for us missionaries.
Sunday: We had a cute Christmas program with the ward. I always love
to see those cute Primary kids sing their little hearts out. I wish I
was that cute when I sing off key. Some ward members surprised us with
Christmas gifts, and I about cried. The thoughtfulness of others is
humbling. The time they took to think of us warms my heart and brings
me to my knees. I am so grateful for the kindness of others and to
Heavenly Father for allowing me to be a missionary. Even though it was
hard to see my family, I felt more strongly the love we have for each
other. I am humbled that Heavenly Father chose this path for me.
Serving a mission is incredibly hard. I am tested emotionally every
day. I feel unqualified, but I know that through my Savior, I can
accomplish the things that He has asked of me.
As we prepare for a new year, we have the opportunity to strengthen
our relationship with Christ. We have been given agency, the gift to
choose. I invite you to choose one thing you will do each day to
follow Christ. I promise that as you study the scriptures, pray to
your loving Heavenly Father, and attend church each week, you will
feel of God's love more fully in your lives.
Have a happy new year!
💕Hermana Boyson
Our "ugly" sweaters. We were told they were too cute.
Our home away from home on Christmas Eve. Thank you, Wolf family!
FaceTime with some of the Boyson bunch. I love my forever family.
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