Week 25

Merry Late Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

I just wanted to start by saying THANK YOU to everyone who sent my mom and sister a picture for Christmas - they made them all into the cutest little book in the world. By far my favorite gift I have ever received. So thanks! It meant a lot. And thank you to everyone who sent cards and gifts, you are all amazingly wonderful people.

Christmas was great. Skyping home was the best thing ever but it went by WAY too fast. We also got to have a Zone activity; we made breakfast together and then played sports for like three hours. My companion LOVES basketball more than anything so it was fun to see her play and I had fun playing too even though my basketball skills are less than great. After that we did some studies, skyped our families, and then had dinner at the bishops house. He was very nice to have all eight of the missionaries who serve there over for dinner. After dinner we got to go to the Mesa temple lights and hear the Mesa missionaries sing which was a cool experience. Then we made a few visits to members in the area. Overall, a great day - definitely a Christmas to remember. 

Skyping with the family!

This week we did some other fun Christmas activities; we went caroling as a zone to investigators, we made gingerbread houses with a member (Me and Sister Ferre's was a temple), we got to take an investigator to the visitors center to see the nativities (they have a huge collection there for the holidays from all around the world), and we got to go over to a senior missionary couple’s house to give a Christmas message. 

Sadly, Sister Ferre and I have been going back and forth on who is sick so we have also had to take it a little easy this week, which is not the best. There were also tons of people out of town for the holidays. So as much fun as the holidays are, I am looking forward to getting back to a more normal routine. 

Me and Sister Ferre with our gingerbread temple

Our temple (left) with the Elders' gingerbread houses

My favorite part of being a missionary is when we have been working really hard all week and then finally one person will listen to what we have to say. It is so rewarding to actually be able to teach, especially with new people who really need more happiness in their life. It has been such an amazing experience to be able to be a missionary. As hard as it is, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I have met so many amazing people who I would never have met any other way - especially considering five months ago I didn't speak their language. I know this is where I am supposed to be.

I love you all, stay safe this next week,

Hermana Doxey

P.S. Have you all seen the Christmas videos the church put out? I know it is past Christmas, but it is never to late to watch them! My favorite is called "Why we need a Savior."