Well, the time is finally here!! CHRISTMAS IS THIS WEEK! Despite the fact that my companions and I have celebrated it (with Christmas music and the like) for the last 2 months or so, it always seems to sneak up!!
This last week I've learned some big lessons about the importance of diligence, exercising faith, and patience... hahaha. The first half of the week, it seemed like every single one of our appointments fell through! For about three days! And nearly all of attempts to make other appointments simply did not work out! A bit of a frustrating time, but as little of a trial as it actually was, I am thankful for the simple lessons it reinforced to me. I think even for missionaries, if life was always easy when you're doing the right things, you would not grow! Haha. And God's whole plan involves our progression! It's not meant to be easy. I think last week was a little bit of a reminder. :) Thankfully last week ended with an incredibly busy schedule that allowed us to make up for the week's beginning.
Also, my companion and I were able to sing in the Christmas party last Saturday, as well as the choir Christmas program yesterday. It was a special, truly special, moment. I just love Christmas. And as a missionary I've spent more time remembering, focusing on, and pondering about Our Savior than I admittedly have in past years.
I am so thankful for Him. For the fact that He came to this earth, lived a perfect life and as the example for us to follow, and for His great sacrifices. I know that He lives! I've felt His love flow through me as I do His work. He loves each of us greatly. He comforts us in ways that no others can--He understands us perfectly. I am grateful for His ability to Help us change, to allow us the opportunity to give up our shortcomings, our weaknesses, and our sins, to become better people. Goodness knows I am far from being a perfect missionary, but through His help I am able to help others. This Christmastime I am grateful for the opportunity to do His work and help others recognize their need to come closer to Him. The message I share is the same as the angels that proclaimed the news of His birth, "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:10) Jesus Christ is the greatest tidings bringing great joy to the hearts of those who accept Him!
Have a wonderful Christmas! Love you all
--
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매
This last week I've learned some big lessons about the importance of diligence, exercising faith, and patience... hahaha. The first half of the week, it seemed like every single one of our appointments fell through! For about three days! And nearly all of attempts to make other appointments simply did not work out! A bit of a frustrating time, but as little of a trial as it actually was, I am thankful for the simple lessons it reinforced to me. I think even for missionaries, if life was always easy when you're doing the right things, you would not grow! Haha. And God's whole plan involves our progression! It's not meant to be easy. I think last week was a little bit of a reminder. :) Thankfully last week ended with an incredibly busy schedule that allowed us to make up for the week's beginning.
Also, my companion and I were able to sing in the Christmas party last Saturday, as well as the choir Christmas program yesterday. It was a special, truly special, moment. I just love Christmas. And as a missionary I've spent more time remembering, focusing on, and pondering about Our Savior than I admittedly have in past years.
I am so thankful for Him. For the fact that He came to this earth, lived a perfect life and as the example for us to follow, and for His great sacrifices. I know that He lives! I've felt His love flow through me as I do His work. He loves each of us greatly. He comforts us in ways that no others can--He understands us perfectly. I am grateful for His ability to Help us change, to allow us the opportunity to give up our shortcomings, our weaknesses, and our sins, to become better people. Goodness knows I am far from being a perfect missionary, but through His help I am able to help others. This Christmastime I am grateful for the opportunity to do His work and help others recognize their need to come closer to Him. The message I share is the same as the angels that proclaimed the news of His birth, "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:10) Jesus Christ is the greatest tidings bringing great joy to the hearts of those who accept Him!
Have a wonderful Christmas! Love you all
--
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매