What Gift Will You Give to Christ?

Maligayang Pasko sa lahat!

What a beautiful time of year this is! 

This week was potentially the longest, most fun, most rewarding week of my mission so far. Everything that could have happened, did happen, I swear. We worked hard and played hard too, believe it or not. haha This Thursday was our mission-wide Christmas party. Talk about craziness. It was so fun but a bit overwhelming at times. Imagine over 200 missionaries plus that many chairs plus mission leaders plus packages and boxes and supplies and everything under the sun, packed into 1 gym at the church (not a big gym either) Yeah, hectic. It was really cool to see all of my MTC buddies though and to meet a ton of other missionaries. Plus 2 of my missionary friends, Sister Simbol (lived with her for the past 3 months) and Sister Christensen left for home the next day after the party! That was weird and sad to say goodbye to them but it was good, oh yeah I am now in a trio again. 2 trios in 3 months. Wow. So many things I never ever expected to happen on my entire mission, let alone in just my training! AH! Anyways at our Mission Christmas Party we mingled, watched the Legend of Johnny Linggo (might be one of my favorite movies now), had a talent show (so funny!, the Hakka included, had a gift exchange, ate lots of yummy pinoy food, took pictures, listened to President and Sister Reeder share a message, and yep, that's about it. It was a very jam-packed, fun day.  

One thing that President Reeder talked about was the wonderful opportunity we have as missionaries to be here for Christmas and to spend so much of our time dedicated to serving others and serving God. He pointed out that very few times in our life do we actually get to wear the name of our Savior on a badge on our chest, right over our hearts, and what a reminder that is to be the best representatives we can be for Him that gave His life for us. Likewise the Spirit of Christmas is not just a 1 month a year thing, the Spirit of Christ should be a part of us every single day of every single year. We must remember who Jesus Christ is, what He did for all of us, and how we can be more like Him in our daily thoughts, words, and actions.

We also found out one of our investigators is pregnant! Don't tell, but I have known for a while. I could just tell something was off. Pretty exciting though huh?

YES, drum roll please....ACE is officially a member of the true Chuch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! He was baptized this past Saturday and confirmed a member yesterday, Sunday. He also received the Aaronic Priesthood after Sacrament meeting yesterday. One of the best days of my mission so far for sure.  

Saturday, the much awaited day, finally came. His baptism was supposed to start  at 1...no one showed up til 1:45...cool thanks for the support guys. It was fine, and we were expecting that (filipino time) but it was still stressful and frustrating. Anyways, we finally got started (with the solid maybe 15 people there (including 7 missionaries...)) at 2:05. All went well after that! It was so beautiful. He looked a little nervous as he stepped into the water but he took a deep breath, went down, and emerged a new man. :) He was so happy! I couldn't get over it! We were all smiling so big! We went to check on his sister (non-member who came to his baptism) who was waiting outside the bathroom for him while he changed into dry clothes. We started talking to her about her experience watching her brother's baptism. She began crying to us and thanking us for bringing him back to them and for helping him change his life around. She explained how much she had missed having her brother being around and how much of a better person he has been lately. It was a very tender moment. She told us she had such a good feeling, something that she had never felt before. (That's the Spirit!) It was amazing. We were all tearing up. After he changed, the missionaries sang "I Love to See the Temple" in Tagalog. Ace then bore his testimony. If there were any dry eyes in the room before, there weren't now..wow. Talk about breathtaking. That was the most simple, yet powerful testimony I have ever heard. He was overcome by his emotions and spoke with so much power, the Spirit was overwhelmingly wonderful. He truly is a new person. The gospel is amazing. 

 Merry Christmas All! Remember what Christmas is really all about! 

I loved this from the recent First Presidency Christmas Devotional, 

“Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God,” President Monson said. “His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He lived for us, and He died for us. What can we, in return, give to Him?” 

What will you give to Christ this year? I love my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ and know that He knows and loves each of us personally.

Much love this Christmas Season!

Mahal Kita!

-Sister Roderick

Ace! 

Ward Christmas Party