Krisimesi!

-Christmas is definitely different but also special as a missionary. Here in South Africa, it definitely doesn't have the holiday feeling. But it has been really special to see and understand better what Christmas truly is all about. Which Is Christ, of course, and His birth. How grateful I am to be able to be in a place where there aren't as many distractions. Where it's much easier to focus on serving others. I will always be thankful for my South African Christmases. Christmas day was spent at members eating food. Our mission president wanted to watch The Polar Express, so we went to the mission home and did that. It's a lot a better than I remember it lol. 

-Michelle was confirmed on Christmas Eve, which was pretty cool. 

-Some crazy guy we met table contacting said he has the sealed portion of The Book of Mormon. When he first came up to our table, I could just feel he knew more than we expected him to. He has a screw loose though, he is confused and misguided. We're going to meet with him anyways ... should be Interesting. This is just one example on why it's important to understand revelation stewardship. The Lord reveals His mysteries to the prophets, not just anyone. He is a God of order. 

- We were able to put Brother Thomas's family on date so 4 of them are on date for baptism at the end of January. That was super exciting. 

- We cleaned an elderly couple's ceiling. It was fun, something I haven't had the opportunity to do. I don't know how it got so dirty, but it went from black to white lol. 

- Matthew 14:25 "And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea." 

This verse is so simple yet so meaningful to me. This is at the beginning of the story where Christ walks on water to His disciples as they were in the stormy sea. "Fourth watch" is a Roman method of how they kept time. This 4th watch was the last of the night from 3am to 6am. So, it gives better understanding to the story. That the disciples were fighting on the sea all night long. And Christ came only at the end of the night. But He came when they needed Him the most. Likewise, I know the Savior comes to us when we need Him the most, however I also know He and our Father in Heaven want us to grow and experience trial so we can become as they are. If we call out to Him he will always come, it just may be the "fourth watch." He will never fail to bless you with comfort and guidance if you humble yourself. 

Merry Christmas!!

-Elder Quick