Merry Christmas!!

I hope y’all had a Merry Christmas! I’ll tell ya what, Christmas as a missionary is the best thing ever!!

 

 

Highlights:

  • made gingerbread houses at the Stanfields

  • had literally the BIGGEST miracle EVER happen, I even recorded a voice memo that I’ll attach. Dont judge cuz we were absolutely shook haha.

  • ate banana splits for dinner on christmas eve

  • received an insane amount of junk food from neighbors and ward members

  • Dressed up as wise men

  • Gave treats to neighbors

 

 

So much has happened this week! 

 

 

On Thursday we had the opportunity to go to the temple. We went to the church first with all of the other missionaries. President and Sister Huges fed us lunch. Then they had a bunch of stuff for us to do. (they signed their kids up to paint our nails and shine our shoes, it was cute haha) They didn’t stop the Elders from getting their nails painted…. so some of them kinda went crazy, it was hilarious. We also got to watch the Christmas episode of “The Chosen”.  Our mission is allowed to watch it now on p-day, and we are all so pumped. 

Everyone got the chance to do all of the ordinances and help people who have passed make those sacred covenants. My favorite was sealings (missionaries just did child to parent sealings). It was so powerful, and I felt so much love from my Father in Heaven. 

After being in the temple for 5 hours, none of us wanted to leave. The real world is hard haha, and missionaries see and hear what a lot of people don’t. It was sad to leave the temple and go home, but I left feeling spiritually filled and ready to help people who are alive make those same covenants. I’m just so excited!!

 

 

Christmas Day was so awesome. I gotta call my family for an hour, and it was the first time I got to see everyone in one place since saying bye to them!! We went to church, stopped by some member’s house, and went to Norman High School and volunteered for a couple hours. 

The Hannah’s were so kind to have us over for dinner, it was so good. She was so kind to make us side dishes that we were missing home, mine was my mom’s mashed potatoes (super simple food, but my mom made it for me when I was sad or needed a boost). I tried pickled watermelon, a southern treat, it was kinda gross. I don't know who would like that so if you do, let me know.  I get along with the Hannahs very well, Sis Hannah was in the Army, and was a 3rd Generation Army Brat. Her Husband spent twenty-something years in the Air Force. I’m at least a 7th generation Army brat myself, between the American and Swiss armies. It’s fun to talk about that stuff.  We opened presents from members in the ward. We watched “Christmas Jars”, it was so cute and a little bit cringey but hey President approved it so we were thrilled. My comps are terrified of their dog, it's this really big I-don’t-even-know but it looks really intimidating. She was some kind of guard dog or something like that, so she is really overprotective. Like she bit the last missionary who came over. However, she had absolutely no issue with me. In fact, she came and sat right next to me on the couch and wanted to cuddle the entire movie. And she complained if I stopped petting her for more than 5 seconds lol.  So my comps think I’m some kind of animal whisperer because they won’t go closer than 10 feet. 

 

 

Spiritual thought:

This week I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the events that happened more than 2000 years ago. I’ve read scriptures, watched countless videos. Christmas is for sure my favorite thing so far as a missionary because we get to celebrate the reason why we are out here in the first place. 

EVERYTHING is because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He became like us, so that we can become like Him. And this is all because He loves us so much.  While I was in the temple, I felt so strongly that I was doing so much more than putting my life on pause for 18 months. I was bringing people closer to the one who personally carried me through my darkest times. Jesus Christ has done so much for all of us, and all that He asks for in return is that there’s no empty chairs in His Kingdom. He is the ultimate example of love. 

This week I’m inviting y’all to write down some things that Jesus Christ has personally done for you, and how you’ve seen Him in your life. Of course, I would love to hear if you’re willing to share. 

 

 

I just wanted to say thank you all so much for your letters and packages! Goodness, y’all spoil me. 

For those asking still, my address is:

3700 w Tecumseh rd, apt #6203, Norman, Ok, 73072

 

 

We got transfer news… Sister Sody and I are staying, but Sister Okie is going to Wichita Falls, it’s been a bit of a sad day. 

 

 

I hope you all have a Happy New Year!! Enjoy a Martinellis at midnight for me because I’ll be asleep.     

Remember Jesus loves you and so do I!!

 

 

Sister Jenni<3








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