Elder Finch: December 28th

Christmas this year was surprisingly fun. Our P-Day was on Christmas, so I was able to enjoy it a lot. We woke up in the morning and opened presents. My companion and I played pick-up-sticks. (One of Hannah's presents to me.) It was his first time playing. Afterwards he told me that he doesn’t like that game. (That means he lost lol).

We then did laundry and stuff like that. No shopping though. Wall mart was closed Thursday and Friday. We went to the Romain's At 2:00. That is were I called you. I got to go first.

We then played "Warriors of the Promised Land". It is a really fun game. I think Lisa would enjoy it a lot. We had lunch their, and Dinner at an investigators house at 6:00. I was already full, so it was hard to eat a lot, but I did anyway. I love all of the presents I got especially the pictures. It was nice to see pictures of you guys.

Gabriel’s Baptism went well, and he got confirmed on Sunday. He was Baptized by His fellowshiper, the member that we introduced him to. Getting a member baptized by their fellowshiper is one of the best things for them. I was a witness, and gave the closing prayer. I had to memorize the baptism prayer in Spanish. Elder Urry confirmed him.

This Saturday, We are going to have another baptism. His name is Bro. Rangel (Ron-hel). His family was baptized over a year ago, but he wasn’t. We talked with him a lot last week, and gave him some motivation. He showed up to church, and announced it during Elders Quorum Before he even told me he had made a decision. Apparently during Elders Quorum, He told my companion of his decision. During church we usually don’t sit by each other so we can sit by more investigators.

Something I didn't know until Saturday morning is Gabriel’s baptism was the first one in this area in over a year. My companion was so excited. We had a couple other "first times in a year" last week too. I think the fact that it was Christmas helped. People's hearts were softened.

I am so happy I decided to go on a mission. It has changed me a lot. At first I was afraid of how a mission would change me, but now that I am seeing how it is changing me, I realize that that fear was nothing to be afraid of. I will still come back me. I will still like to play and stuff. The change is more in understanding the Gospel, and my desire to do what is right.

Other things about me: I don't know if you realized this in my pictures, but my hair is getting redder. I am also a little taller. I am a little taller than 5'8". I still look pretty young. I have been asked twice if my companion is my dad. I found this funny because in missionary terminology, he is, because he's my trainer. We didn't explain this to the people asking; we just smiled, and said no. Hispanics usually look old for their age, (with an exception of the Guatemalans), so I usually get really surprised looks when people find out my age.

I want to know what everyone got for Christmas, and if they did/anything exciting during Christmas break.

I love you guys

Elder Finch (o.o)
U