Christmas Festivities

Christmas in the Field

Zone Conference

Skyping on Christmas

TEXT from Sister Alexander, a member in California who had Sam over for Christmas!!

"I am from Arizona so I gave him the cactus socks and because he is back West. I sure love your son. He is so kind and gentle. I love having his spirit in our home. Not always when I meet the Missionaries do I feel like they are a special one.  But when I saw him I just knew he was a very special young man.  He truly has a light in him. You are welcome.  I know how hard it can be to be separated.Merry Christmas. Sister Alexander."

Leading a Sistrict

Hello,

The transfer has come to a close and new big things are coming forth. I am staying in the Solemint ward with my current companion Elder Peters who is still waiting for a visa to go to India. However we are going to take over Mint Canyons area, the ward, and the missionary work. Now we have two areas and two wards to cover which should give us lots to do. I have also been called to be the new District Leader over a "Sistrict". (That is a district of all girls (sisters) except for us. )  That should be fun and only positive!!! ;)

I am excited for the opportunity to work harder. Hard Work is what makes the mission worth it. Keep me in your prayers though... so i don't screw things up.

Christmas is coming in hot, and now that we are a part of two wards we should be fed more than ever! The holidays are the best time of year, but the worst for missionary work. No one likes to meet with you or is even in town during the holidays. I am excited for January because nothing goes on in January.

Remember Jesus is your friend not just a trend.

Sincerely,
Elder Allen

Fires in Hollywood!

Elder Peter's Ugly Christmas Shirt!

Wrecking Impolite People with Charity

Hello,

This week was pretty cool. We were pretty close to the fires. Close enough to take some good photos but it is not close enough that we have to be evacuated.

Today while we were at Walmart we ran into John Heder or more easily known as Napoleon Dynamite. He is a really nice guy and actually is a Mormon. He lives in our stake here in Santa Clarita. Still doing movies by the way...

We have the opportunity to go to the LA Temple this Thursday. It will be the first time in over a year. I am pretty excited to go.

Yesterday we helped the ward pass out Christmas gifts to members in the ward. We took all the names of people that no one knew. Which meant they were all in-actives. It was pretty funny to see them open the door and instantly go off about how they don't want to hear a message or go to church anymore, because as soon as they were done speaking we would pull out a Christmas gift and tell them to have a Happy Holiday. They all would respond by saying they were sorry and felt bad. I was having a pretty good time wrecking impolite people with charity. Romans 12:21.

Sincerely,
Elder Allen

 He got all of his Christmas Packages. (We sent the first batch to  Madagascar.) 

P-day Operation Gratitude 

(making first-responder kits for the fire fighters and other kits for the military.

Operation Gratitude (look for the kid in the white baseball hat=Sam)

Assume Good Intent

Hi!


There is not much new here. We found a couple of interesting people this week that hopefully will continue wanting to learn. We have been helping the Bishop in our ward a lot lately by visiting less active members and families that need service and love.

It has been great visiting people that are touched by the things others do for them. I really am grateful for people who are polite. Not just polite to their neighbors and friends, but polite to everyone. Even to the two young missionaries that knock on their door once a month. Most people don't take the time to understand others situations. We all need to assume Good Intent. That goes for everyone and every situation. We need to assume that others at least believe that they have a good reason for the things that they do. If it is something we don't agree with or feel is right then that is fine, however we should first learn their perspective and outlook on it before accusing them of trying to do harm or annoyance. Those are my thoughts on people skills.

Sincerely,
Elder Allen

Sam deep in thought

Sam with Elder Joshua Scott from Draper. 

(Friends from Middle School.  Elder Scott went to Corner Canyon) 

 Christmas decorations from mom

with Elder Peters outside the church.