He is the Gift!

     Although the Philippines doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, I feel like I would like to share some of the things I'm especially thankful for:
     Of course, our family--wonderful children, their sweethearts, and beautiful grandchildren; our dear parents and siblings, and extended family. I'm thankful to be married to my best friend and thankful for our love and that we still enjoy being together after 39 years. I'm thankful for fabulous friends, old and new. I'm thankful for things that I often have taken for granted--good food, running water (hot and cold), showers, flushing toilets, toilet paper, nice home, electricity, air conditioning. I'm very thankful for modern technology--Skype, Face Time, cell phones, Vonage, computers. I'm grateful for incredible young adults and senior couples who are willing to leave their homes and families to serve missions and be representatives of Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for the freedoms of the United States of America and the goodness that it represents. Although I miss America, I'm thankful for the beauties of the Philippines and for the kindness of the Filipino people. I'm thankful that they believe in Jesus Christ and God and aren't afraid to share their beliefs. I'm grateful to be in a country where prayers are still said in public places.
      I'm especially thankful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the privilege I have of being a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm thankful for modern day prophets; including Joseph Smith who restored the fullness of the gospel and Thomas S. Monson who leads the Lord's work today. I'm thankful for the Book of Mormon and the Bible and that they teach us of Christ, His life, His love, His atonement, and His example for each of us.
      Above all, I'm thankful to know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who has a plan for each of us so that we can return to His presence. I'm thankful for the precious gift of His son, Jesus Christ and I'm thankful for the atonement of the Savior which not only allows me to repent and be forgiven of my sins but gives me the enabling power to work through life's trials and accomplish all that He asks of me. I'm thankful that the Savior's atonement is for each of us. I'm thankful that families can be together forever.
      I'm thankful for the Christmas season which I love and I'm thankful to be able to share this wonderful message of the true meaning of Christmas with you.

HE IS THE GIFT
http://www.mormon.org/christmas?cid=77010030

Saying Good-bye

     On November 18, 2014 we said good-bye to our 4th group of missionaries. This group was the hardest yet because I had gotten to know them all and they were a wonderful group of missionaries. I had spent time with each of the 9 sisters; including having the privilege of teaching with some of them.

Saying Good-bye to a Wonderful Group of Missionaries

     The elders were actually excited to put on their suit coats for the first time since they arrived. It was fun to meet the parents and brother of three of the sisters.