Elder Holmes...last year's Christmas Companion
Leadership Meeting
Office Christmas tree!
Having fun with the elders in the Zone
Yet another pose...
Elder Leon and Elder Shipley
Tie Battles!
Yep...the timer went off...good try on the Zone picture!
Dear Family and Friends,
We had a good week here in Saltillo! I am super excited for this upcoming few days! Tonight, our ward is having a talent show and we are planning to take a few investigators. On Sunday night, we are going to be able to see the Christmas Devotional that the church does every year from the conference center and it is so awesome!! It really helps to bring the Christmas spirit, listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing Christmas songs (in English!) and the words of the apostles and prophet. Then on Tuesday, we are going to have the three zones here in Saltillo come together for the Christmas Conference that President Cahoon and his wife have planned! I am so excited! I was in Piedras Negras last year for the Christmas conference, I can't believe it has been a year since then!
Elder Lopez and I are really excited for this month because we have faith that we are going to see a few baptisms! We have had a slow start here in Valle two, waiting for the divorce papers of Lalo and Gabi and looking for other people, but last night, we received the news that the divorce should be finalized in about 2 weeks so that Lalo and Gabi can be married and baptized by Christmas or New Years!!! What a great Christmas present that would be!
My Dad sent me a quote in his email this past week that I really enjoyed. Once President Hinckley quoted Jenkins Jones and said,
''Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. "most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey--delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." Jenkins Jones and Pres Hinckley
I think it is very applicable to a mission as well. The mission isn't perfect, isn't easy, isn't comfortable, but it is most certainly the most valuable and important thing I could be doing with my life right now. I am very grateful for the Restored Gospel and for the love of our Heavenly Father. The beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed that I experience on the mission are felt when others listen, understand, and apply the gospel in their own lives, and by doing so, changing who they and their family are. The gospel of Jesus Christ is truly miraculous and marvelous. Wonderful and life changing. It provides us with hope, peace, and love. Be sure to take the time to remember the Savior during this holiday season and all of the blessings we receive, thanks to Him.
Have a great week!
Elder Shipley
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