Week 61 (It's Christmas in California... J.M.)

Hello! For most of you right now it is Christmas Vacation. I hope it is going well. Christmas Eve and Day were great over here in the zOna. For Christmas Eve, we were able to go over to a member's house (the Blazer's) that is a somehow-connected relative to the sister-in-law of Elder Shiffler. So, we were able to go there and spend a bit of Christmas Eve there with his brother and other family friends. The next day, we started as usual with personal study but afterwards headed out to have a Christmas brunch with our Branch President and some of his family. The other two missionaries that serve with us in the branch joined us too. Afterwards we made a phone-call home which was thoroughly enjoyable. After that we went out to work the rest of the day. We had a few lessons set up. A couple of them went through. In the evening, because of our schedule, we were going to have to skip dinner. While going to make a contact after a lesson had just fell through, we got to talking with a gentleman who first invited us to sit outside of his apartment to have some soda. Then while out there, he asked us of we liked tamales. Before long we were talking about the Savior with him while being treated to homemade tamales and posole. (posole is a meaty soup with the main ingredient being hominy) Whether something will happen with him or not, it is hard to tell, but for certain it was a tender moment of the Lord looking out for us and showing His love through the good people of the world. Just as the Spirit of Christ at Christmas time has great power to open and change hearts, if we do our part, we can bring that spirit to others all the time. It is the deep feeling of love and acceptance that people seek and that can be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that there are many wonderful people in the world just waiting for the Gospel to make them even better. In this new year let our heart be turned more towards others in all that we say and do so that through our examples, they can want the wonderful blessing that is here for everyone. I love my Heavenly Father and Savior. I want to help others act on that love through repenting and being baptized. I hope that each of you have a Happy New Year and try a little harder to see what the Lord would have you put on your list of resolutions. Take care!

-Elder LaPorte =)

p.s. I would love to hear how your Christmas and New Years was spent as well!

Week 60 (Do You Hear What I Hear?... Copeland)

Hey! I have practically no time to talk! Yesterday was strange. It was cloudy, then clear and sunny, then a hail-storm, then rain and clouds, then clouds. This week has been good. Today we went to the Temple, and last Saturday Carlos got baptized. Elder Shiffler baptized and I confirmed. We had a nice dinner Sunday night with the District and went to the Mission President's Fireside. This morning I also played some raquetball (sp?) I hope you all have a Merry Christmas! I look so forward to talking to you guys on Friday! Love yA!!

-Elder LaPorte =)

p.s. Tell Elder Helvey good luck in S.L.C. and to say hi to Elder Card if he meets him. (a spanish missionary) also, ask him if he got a package from me before he left. byE!

Week 59 (All I Want For Christmas... M.C.)

There is a safety in routine that we as people hold on to. Change is one of the hardest things for us to accept and to adjust to. As such, we are creatures of habit. Habits play a very important role in our lives, at times for better and at times for the worst. What we want is to form good habits and leave the bad ones behind. However, there is even caution to be taken the habits formed for the good. Routine can seep in, slowly numbing us to the growth that can be had in our spiritual habits in life. In reading the scriptures and praying daily, we can have a good habit of doing so, but get lost in the routine of it, thus getting nothing out of it. It is a constant struggle to maintain sincerity in our spiritual journey, but very necessary. When praying, reading, taking the sacrament, going to the temple, we need to be sure that we are always looking for what the Lord needs us to get out of that experience. Sincere, good habits are what we want. They are difficult to have, but worth it every time. At this time of year, let us sincerely remember and understand the reason why over 2,000 years later, the world is still celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for this time of refelction and dedication that I have at this time of year. I pray that the Spirit of the Savior abides with each of you and those around you so that you might touch a heart and bring them closer to Christ. I love life. I love each of you. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 58 (The Snow's Coming Down... DcfC)

Hello! Merry Christmas Season! What a wonderful month. Just shooting a quick message with some quick updates. Tomorrow we are having the mission party for Christmas where the WHOLE mission will get together. I am excited to see all of my friends that are off in other places and enjoy their company. Our Branch will be having a Christmas Party this Saturday too. This transfer will be a really exciting time to see people enter the waters of baptism. There are a lot of very special and prepared people ready for this step in their lives. I have seen some of the most difficult challenges in the lives of some of these people but they hold fast to their faith and testimony of what they want to do. The Adversary works hard. But we will work harder. As we dedicate ourselves to our efforts and stay diligent, all will go well. I am excited for this opportunity that I, and the missionaries that work with me, to be tested and challenged the carry out the Lord's work here on the earth. Hearts are ready, and we are harvesting. I am grateful for this time of year when we can turn our thoughts even more to that of the Savior and the gift of His life. May we never forget the purpose of this season in remembering Him and what He did. I love the Lord and my Heavenly Father and I love each of you. Have a great week!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 57 (Have A Holly Jolly Christmas... Format)

Hello! Well, I completely forgot to announce the coming of transfers but come they did. Elder Shiffler and I are both very excited to stay together and keep pooling our efforts to help this branch. On December 1st I changed the calendars and wore a green and red plaid tie. We also put up colorful Christmas lights that were already in the apartment. We put on the Christmas trees and I have made sure to enjoy a small portion of egg-nog every day. For Thanksgiving, our dinner got canceled, but we had a few back-ups that worked out. While we were typing up some papers for our program at the Brach President's house, they invited us down for Thanksgiving lunch. Then after that we finished our work and went to have desert at another house with some other Elders. Later that night we got stopped by some homeless people who thought that we were some other missionaries. I gave him a dollar and he gave me a long, drunk, awkward hug. The following Sunday we had Thanksgiving dinner again with a wonderful cook who feeds us every Sunday. It was all delicious. The only thing that I couldn't get my hands on were sweet potatoes. That's ok though, because I like Mom's the best. Things were great though. I am excited for this new transfer and new opportunity to dig in. I also got to baby-sit my trainer the last 2 days before he went home. That was funny. He was way trunky. ByE!

-Elder LaPorte =)