Feliz Navidad!

Hey there!  Merry Christmas!!!!  Feliz Navidad!  

Thank you everyone for the Christmas greetings and packages!  You all are the best!  

Things here are going great!  We had the baptism of Maria Elena Pacheco on Friday! We've been teaching her for a few months and she finally got baptized!  It was a little crazy.  The person that baptized her was late so needless to say the water got cold.  Oh well, at least she got baptized.  That's all that I care about.  

We were supposed to have the baptism of Robert tomorrow but unfortunately his wife doesn't want him to be baptized.  We're praying for a miracle and that it actually happens.  I guess we'll see what happens.  

Last week we had zone conference a week early because this week is Christmas.  It was awesome!  It was a huge Christmas celebration.  President Walker talked to us about what we are giving Christ for Christmas this year and how we need to let him into our hearts not just for the next week but forever.  Sister Walker told us a few of her favorite Christmas stories and you'll never believe what story she included.  It was crazy because she had told a few stories and then she was like "the next story is about a missionary in Michigan, Mark Anderson."  So yeah, I was really surprised and kept thinking "thats my dad."  Afterwards during a snack break I told her and some of the sisters that that missionary was my dad and everyone started congratulating me and telling me that it made them cry and what not.  I became a celebrity based on association.  It was way funny.  I don't know how she got the story but you're now a celebrity throughout the mission.  Congratulations!

So yesterday I was thinking about all of the different titles that our Savior has.  He has so many.  I think that one of my favorites is Prince of Peace.  When nothing else can bring us peace, He does.  He calms the troubled heart, heals the wounded soul, unites families, and on and on.  In order to find peace in our lives, families, and the world we just need to turn to Him.  Of course that is easier said than done sometimes but I know that as we turn to Him we find the peace we need.  I've seen this in my life and the lives of so many people.  Whenever I feel down, stressed, or anything, I feel peace as I turn to Him.  I know people who's lives are completely messed up in every way but as they turn to Him they are healed.  This doesn't mean that their problems are all taken away but it does mean that they are given the strength to endure those troubles.

Well, Merry Christmas everyone!  Thank you for all that each of you do for me.  I'm so lucky  to have such amazing family and friends!  As you go about celebrating Christmas this year take a bit of time to stop and think about our Savior and what He did for you individually.  What are you going to give Him this year?  Like the scriptures say, "What are you going to do with this man called Jesus?"  I hope that you all can feel the true meaning of Christmas.  Remember that because of a baby born in a stable we all have the greatest gift of all.  We have a Savior, a brother, a friend, a confidant, a Redeemer, and so much more!  I love you all!  Have the most Merry Christmas of all!  I know that I will!  We'll be studying and visiting people all day!

Love, Hermana Anderson