Christmas with a change of location

Hey everybody!!!!

Wow, I can't believe it's almost Christmas! I also can't believe have

been out for almost 6 months! It's so strange how time has flown. But

it's just really exciting all around.

So for my week, it has just been busy all around during the Christmas

time. We have had 12 referrals all in the past week, which is  a lot

for a week in our mission. So throughout the week, we have just been

delivering Bibles to people throughout our area. It's been really

great to see how the Mormon.org Christmas initiative has really been

getting out there. It's been really great to see!

Wednesday, we went to a lesson to a less named Sister Punchello. It

was really great because we taught her for the first time in a few

months and talked about how Christ has changed her life. She really

was receptive and just talked about how she needs to come back to

church. What was a little plus was she let me borrow her daughter's

trumpet. Because...... I am playing a Christmas song for Zone

Conference! It's been to practice here and there for it. I can't wait

to perform after it's been so long!

Friday, all we did was street contact sharing the "A Savior is Born"

with our Zone Leaders. It was really great to share the video with

people. Their hearts just get softened after watching that. There's a

reason why missionaries say Christmas is the best time to be out

serving.

We also had our Christmas program this past week as well. It was so

great. There were so many songs and narrations, it really did invite

the spirit. Also, David Garduno, who we have given the sacrament every

week to, came to church for the first time since I have been here! It

was really exciting. He is on the way to getting a temple recommend!

He really is one of my favorite people to teach. All in all, just a

really humble guy.

Well, the weather has been the same, pretty warm. Christmas it is

supposed to be 70, which I am really excited about. It'll feel like I

never left Arizona. Just kidding! But to just leave you with

something, I am excited for Christmas to come. Throughout my studies,

I always come back to the Book of Mormon reading with Samuel the

Lamanite and his prophesies of the Holy Messiah's birth. Also, in 3rd

Nephi 1, where the believers' lives are literally on the line

depending on the Savior's coming. I ponder how much faith would we

have if we were in that same position. May we "watch steadfastly" as

the Nephites did on our Lord. Not just at this time, but at all times.

If we do so, we will have reason to "lift up our heads and be of good

cheer" as the Savior told Nephi. I pray you all have a special, safe,

Merry Christmas. There is reason to celebrate in our hearts and in our

lives. He was born so we can be born again. I testify of this as a

representative of Him.

Happy Holidays!

Elder Cortes