feliz navidad

Hola!

This week has been amazing. They keep us wicked busy, and on Christmas it was a little too much. So earlier this week the Elders in my district have been pranking my companion—she scares really easily. One particular morning we came in and they asked her to get a drink from the fridge. She opened it and screamed, falling down to the floor. They had taken the shelves out of the fridge and one elder was in there waiting, with the drink in his hand. It was hilarious and they even filmed it. Also this last week, Hermana Taylor got a little Charlie Brown Christmas tree from her family. We set it up and put all our gifts around it and then slowly throughout the week we opened our presents. It was definitely one of the most memorable Christmases ever. We also had a few snowball fights this week. One got stopped prematurely but the other was during gym time. My companion decided to throw snowballs at the elders' window and they just stared at us until one finally came out. While that was happening, another district in our zone was across the way preparing snowballs, so of course we had to defend ourselves. There was also tons of black ice all over area and nearly ever elder wiped out at least once. It was hilarious to watch. 

The missionaries' Christmas set-up.

And Sarah, you know the movie, "Forever Strong" about Highland high school rugby? I found out earlier this week that one of my teachers was on that team when it was being filmed. I think he said he is in it, so we'll have to watch it again when I get back. 

    So on Christmas Day, we had a devotional with Elder David A. Bednar! It was incredible and we learned so much. It was rather unique in that he passed out 200 cellphones to the audience so we could anonymously text in questions that he would then answer. He also had an email set up so that other MTCs (like in England) who were watching it live, could send in their own questions. It was amazing to see him read a question and be able to answer it with scriptures and personal stories almost immediately. Also, I sang in the choir again; another amazing experience. I truly love singing, I only wish I were better at it.

Katherine and Jordan Hansen at Elder Bednar's Christmas devotional.

I got your package, mom and dad! Thank you so much! I finally got to show you all off to my companions :) I can't wait to use the sweatshirt and socks tonight—I know it will be freezing cold. Thank you so much for your support and love. I appreciate it and want you to know that this is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. So many times throughout the last week I have learned more about my companions and about those in my zone. Heavenly Father watches over us and I am so glad that I get to serve a mission now, after all the experiences I've already had. Plus, I am glad that I waited since I got to be in the district and zone that I am—and I adore them all! It is both humbling and uplifting to study the scriptures, to discuss doctrine and seek to understand it with other like-minded missionaries.

Katherine and her companion wearing hats younger sister Elizabeth knitted.

I know this Church is true, that Heavenly Father watches over and cares for us and that by praying and being obedient, he will help us in any way he can through both the Holy Ghost and our friends and family. You are all such wonderful examples and I hope you realize how much I love you all. I've always been grateful to have a family such as I do, and being here has only increased it.

Love,

Katherine