It's December already! How did that happen?! It's been fun seeing everyone get prepared for the holiday season, and knowing that I don't have to stress out about any of it! People are really big into decorating their yards here... probably since they don't have any snow to do the job! This will be my first winter without seeing any snow.... weird! Although, I can't complain!
Thanksgiving was fun! Our P-day was switched from Wednesday to Thursday so we didn't have to worry about spending too long at members' houses or multiple dinners... which we did have. Hermana Johnson and I actually only had two meals set up (one lunch, one dinner) - makes sense, but then we inherited two more dinners with our third companion. Fortunately we got out without eating too much (I've mastered the art of refusing food on my mission!), and we've been working out a lot (see picture :) above) so no damage was done!
I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and took the time to talk about all the things you are thankful for. I loved President Monson's general conference talk about having an "attitude of gratitude" (thanks, Mom, for those Brite Music tapes as a child... all I could think about was "when you have a gratitude attitude"...!). We are commanded to give the Lord thanks in all things (2 Ne. 9:52), and really that should be a constant activity.
When Elder Scott came to Show Low (September) he was asked what it is that keeps him awake at night and his answer was that members of the church are not grateful enough for the blessings of the gospel. We are truly so blessed to have a knowledge of the restored gospel and we have to do everything within our power to grasp the significance of the blessings.
On Monday we had a Family Home Evening with an investigator family and their member neighbors and we talked about prophets, as well as President Monson's recent advice on gratitude. Even our eight year old investigator, Alec, knew that we need to show gratitude to our Father in Heaven by following Him. It is the least we can do for all that we have been given.
I love gospel! And I am SO grateful that I can share it with others all day every day! It is so special to see the powerful influence for good that these truths can have in people's lives. We had an awesome experience this week with another investigator, Bernice. She has read about half the Book of Mormon in a week, and loves it! She has a thorough knowledge of the Bible and she told us she always thought there is no way she would be involved with Mormons or "the blue book". The Book of Mormon has brought about a change of heart within her, and she, like many millions of others, is feeling herself coming closer to Christ through His gospel. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon, and for Christ's church, which has been restored in its fullness today!
May your gratitude continue through this holiday season.
Love,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
PICTURES
TOP:"Disasters - First Response" - This should be a missionary truck!
BOTTOM: We found this epic pink track suit at a ward clothing exchange, and I HAD to wear it the next morning to the gym.
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