It's Christmas!

12-24-12

It’s Christmas!

Sorry, today has been kind of crazy and we've been running all over the place so this will not be the most coherent email of my mission. peço desculpa. (I ask forgiveness...yeah it just means sorry.)

1. FYI I live with a caveman. When my companion is frustrated or tired or angry or annoyed or basically any emotion other than happy, she makes this caveman grunt noise and she has officially started rubbing off on me. Please don’t disown me when I get back.

2. I saw Pedro this week! (My physical therapist). I had to go in for a checkup and it was super fun to see him. He was all, "you have to come back! I need to practice English! It’s getting worse!" It was really cute. I go back one last time in another three weeks and then I guess if I don’t run into him later on the mission (when he decides he’s ready to be baptized) then I will just have to wait for the celestial kingdom. Sad, but also kind of cool. Because I really wanted to take advantage of one of the last times I would see him and like really testify about the Book of Mormon or invite him to church or something.

So at the beginning of the appointment I just said a prayer to ask Heavenly Father to guide me and to help me know what I should say to him and the spirit just said, "No, he’s not ready yet. You accomplished your purpose with him. Now you stay his friend and leave him with these good feelings about the church." It was kind of shocking but I felt so peaceful about it and I have no doubt that I needed to be in physical therapy for a reason.

3. Irma Olson and I are Heavenly Father's favorite daughters in the Lisbon mission.

I’m serious. This is the best area in the entire mission to be in for Christmas. I can’t even comprehend how beautiful it is. Last night we went with our Stake Choir to go caroling in the heart of historical Lisbon. There were huge crowds of people gathering to hear us sing and people were recording it and there were people crying. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. We handed out tons of cards and pamphlets and “Joy to the World” DVDs and it was so fun to spread the joy of Christmas like that. We were so lucky we got to be there because it’s in our area! This place is magical!

Well I still have to email president, but I love you all so much. Mom and dad I’m so excited to talk to you tomorrow! And everyone else in the family I will try to Skype with you if you’re on! I will be online probably between 1 and 2pm Lisbon time. I love you guys so much!

Merry Christmas!

Remember that the reason we celebrate the birth of Christ is because He was born to die for us. I know He is our savior and that He loves and care for every one of us. I know He is always by our side and that you can really feel Him with you tomorrow.

I love you all!

Boas festas e feliz natal!

Alma 7:10-13

Irma Dean