A New Normal

Dear Family and Friends:

I love you all! 

We're starting to freeze right now and we're coping out with finding outside the cold and we're grateful that we are enduring it. This week has been really remarkable as we work out on our new plans and actions for this month and strive to have the new normal and be consistent in doing the extraordinary by doing more. We usually have our 'normal' thing but then I wouldn't go back to my 'normal' life after mission because this is the new normal for me now and for my companions.

It's been truly amazing that we are able to talk about Christmas naturally with the people we meet on the streets and focus on the true meaning of Christmas as we discover and embrace The Gift, God's Gift to all of us- our Savior, Jesus Christ through the Book of Mormon.

I used to be very preoccupied with events happening and gifts to give during Christmas season but truly, I've had my most meaningful Christmases here in the mission as it is very humble out here. I think of what I could offer to Jesus Christ and to Heavenly Father and that is to give my all, and my will to Them. Their will be done, not mine. 

I invite you to think of what you could offer up to Jesus Christ and to our Heavenly Father and I promise you that you will be able to feel more of God's love this season.

I am praying for all of you and for all of those who are afflicted by the typhoon and I know that God is mindful of His children because everyone's been praying for them too. In this life, we will be having a lot of huge typhoons, lightnings, and storms that will come our way that will make us strong like most of the tress out there. It's just made to be that way but whatever happens, the Savior promised us that we will be able to find peace in Him.

 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace

SHOUT-OUT:

Happy Birthday, Aaron and Monica. Know that I always love you.

P.S.

I dreamed about Monica and Ayan receiving their calls. Olonggapo and New York. Haha. Because those places were running through my mind as I read the Liahona issue this month and hearing stories from my comp

P.P.S.

We can use Skype this Christmas Day, How does that sound? :)

Love,

Sister Posadas

He is the Gift

Sa Aking Minamahal na Pamilya,

How are you? December is here! I love it! Winter is now my favorite time of the year haha and I love the Christmas music and decorations everywhere. I'm really thankful for all of you and how you've helped me a lot especially to my wonderful parents and siblings. There's just too much love that it aches! Oh, how I love you all.

There have been really trying times here in the mission and sometimes it can really be sad and heart breaking when some of the people that we've taught didn't fully grasp a deep understanding of their baptismal covenant with their Heavenly Father. We've been working with retention of recent converts and reactivation of less-actives together with the members and the leaders. My companions are doing our best, we've been working hard and we haven't seen much success lately but I found comfort every time I study my scriptures and receive impressions from the Spirit. May we learn to glory in tribulations even if it's hard and impossible, it's a time to stretch our faith even more. God loves us that He chastens us and tries our patience and faith. I am also learning to submit cheerfully to His will. I am grateful knowing that God has given us a a gift and that is the Gift of Christ. 

(Here's a secret: my companions think I'm happy and positive all the time but hey, my heart is breaking too! I am weak but with His strength, I can do all things.) 

My dear family, may we always remember the reason why we celebrate this season. May we always remember our Savior Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. He is God's most beautiful gift to us. :)

“Christmas is a time of reflection on what we can become because of God’s sacred gift. As we discover the gift, we learn of the immeasurable love of God and our absolute need for a Savior. As we embrace the gift, we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, and desire to become more like Him. As we share the gift, we follow in the Master’s footsteps, who invited all to hear His message”

 (Elder Russell M. Nelson, December 2014 Ensign).

Enjoy this Christmas video: http://www.mormon.org/christmas?cid=HPFR112814529

PS

Photos during Thanksgiving in International Zone. Taylor Swift is in our zone! Haha. I'd love to start the Thanksgiving tradition when I get home. It's wonderful. :)

Until we meet again,

Sister Posadas

What Added More to My Joy

Sa Aking Mga Minamahal,

As my mission comes close to its end, it's never been that easy. I remember watching The District this week and it's true that like in my first few months, it seems like there were so many baptisms and now that I think I'm being the best missionary that I can be, it's been much harder but I know that I'm perfectly in God's care and I continue to learn and grow. I'm very grateful to be serving here and developing Christlike attributes. Always remember that Heavenly Father loves you and that I love you too! I'm happy that all of you are doing great as well!

2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. :)

I'm in a hurry! Enjoy the photos from our last Pday with Sister Lee at the science museum. Sister Lee is hilarious and I love her. So much fun with all the missionaries here in Macau!

Love,

Sister Posadas