Yahoué 1

Talk about a busy week! Like I said last week, we were in a trio until Friday and had to work in both the sectors of Paita and Tontouta, and pack our bags, and say goodbye to those in our sector to get ready for the transfer. But, we did it and we are still alive haha. 

So Friday was the big day! My "baby blue" is Soeur Casuga. She's 19, from Hawaii, and is the cutest, happiest, most optimistic person ever. I'm really excited to work with her and I'm grateful that I get to be her trainer. Our new sector is MUCH smaller than Tontouta but I like it a lot because it'll be easy to find our way around and white washing won't be such a daunting task. I am also excited that we kind of get to make this sector our own since we are both new here and we will be able to start fresh and work together. 

I also LOVE my new ward! Every one is so nice and just loves the missionaries. Friday night was the ward Christmas party and of course the missionaries were "voluntold" to do the nativity scene, but it was fun. They also sang some of their cultural songs for those who are from the islands and the young women did cultural dances. I really enjoyed it (:

Christmas just kind of snuck up on me. Can't believe it's this week! I happened to read the birth of Christ recently and I love Mary's experience. I imagine she was scared and probably didn't feel worthy for the task. I know I have felt this way before as I'm sure we all have, but I love the counsel she received from the angel: "For with God nothing shall be impossible" and her response, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to they word" (Luke 1:37-38). She said "okay, here I am, weaknesses and all, I'll do it". Sometimes making the first step to just say "okay, I'll do it" is the hardest but He will "guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:79). And yes, sometimes it's a daily, even hourly decision, but He will help us get through if we, like Mary, submit to His will.

I'm thankful for My Savior and I pray that we will remember the reason for the season. He is the gift.

With all my love this Christmas Season,

Soeur Stahura