The 2 CPs: Christmas Parties and Choir Practices

Picture before end of transfer

 

This past week wasn't a very good week for teaching. We haven't had much luck in that department recently, but we're doing the Lord's work and we're loving it! Things are also pretty busy this holiday season, and I'm sure it's the same for each of you. The Lowell ward had their Christmas party this last weekend, and we actually had 2 investigators come to that, which was great! Neither of them came to church the next day...but that's alright. One step at a time, right?

Last night, we were at a member's home for dinner, and the father of the family was quizzing us on all these obscure doctrinal questions and early Church history stories. His kids knew the answers, but they were things that I didn't know. He was very surprised that we didn't know these things, and quite honestly, I felt pretty unintelligent. He said his intent wasn't to embarrass us, but that's definitely what I felt like. Our lesson with them after dinner went very well, so hopefully this brother bases my worth as a missionary from that and not from my lack of knowledge pertaining to things I've never heard of before. Even if he doesn't, I know that I'm of worth to my Father in Heaven, and it doesn't matter what any person thinks of me as long as I'm doing what He would have me do. I don't need to know about seer stones or what's been written on the sword of Laban or what's in the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon to be an effective missionary, or even to receive eternal life and exaltation. It was interesting to hear about, but it's also not something I should be concerned about. I just haven't ever had the chance to learn or study any of that information.

We're singing in both the Lowell ward choir and the Heritage Park ward choir, and that's been fun. It's given me a great opportunity to both sing and play the piano, for which I am thankful. One of my favorite parts about the Christmas season is the music, but I'm sure any one of you could have guessed that on your own.

We had our mission Christmas party this last week as well! We went to the temple, had a powerful and inspiring devotional, and then had much joy and merriment afterwards. Each zone performed a skit, and also a musical number. We also watched the 2012 Massachusetts Boston Mission DVD (a 30-minute slideshow of pictures from the year set to music), which was awesome, and generally enjoyed each others' company. I had a really great time, and at the end of the day, I felt so GOOD about everything; spiritually refreshed, happy, and filled with a love of God, my fellow missionaries, and the people I'm serving here in New England.

Transfer texts also came this weekend - Elder Butters and I will be together for another transfer! This will take us to the beginning of February, I believe. We're happy and excited, and loving every day as servants of the Lord!

Merry Christmas!!!

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong