Christmas Conference

Hey Ya'll!

So I have really great news...I'm staying here in Baytown for another 7 weeks! The sad news is that Hermana Flores is leaving me. I am going to miss her like crazy. She has taught me so much. I just wanted to share with you part of my letter that I sent to President Crawford this week:

 "I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to stay here in Baytown for another transfer. I am really going to work hard and I have such a desire to help this area grow. I have really come to love this area and I see so much potential here. I am also so grateful for the opportunity I had to be companions with Hermana Flores. She has taught me so much and I will be forever grateful for her. She just inspires me to be better and to work harder and to be obedient. I am going to carry what she has taught me throughout my entire mission and I hope to bless other people's lives through what I have learned. I really feel so confident coming out of this transfer."

It's sad to say goodbye to her but I am so excited and I feel ready to take over this area. Also I can't wait to meet my new companion!

Also Christmas conference was on Wednesday! I am going to type you the excerpt from my journal.

Elder Hafford, Katelyn

Elder Davis, Hermanas Flores, San Juan, Elder Halter

Elder Sully, Hermana Tonga, Hermana Flores

Gifts from Hermana Flores to all her past companions.

"Today was Christmas Conference! Such a great day, it's so strange that it's over already. It's something missionaries talk about all year long. And I'm a little sad because it's my only one. So the conference started off with the end of year mission video then we talked about numbers (classic) then two recent converts spoke to us about their conversion story and there were a couple of musical numbers in between. Then Sister Crawford told a couple of Christmas stories. I really loved hearing all the music and the stories. It made it feel a little bit more like Christmas. Elder Davis (or Chad Davis) and his companion sat next to Hermana Flores and me. It was nice talking to him and catching up. Then we ate lunch. The food was really amazing. They had a chocolate fountain with all sorts of fruits and treats to dip in it. I sat by Hermana Arcila and we talked the whole time. It was so great catching up with her. She told me that three of the people that we taught together while we were there got baptized that weekend! Olga, Donchewy and Isabelle! She wanted it to be a surprise so that's why she waited until Christmas conference to tell me. SO HAPPY. It was hard to stop smiling the rest of the day after that. What a wonderful day."

Katelyn, Bagpiper, Hermana Flores

 Also we had to say goodbye to Katia on Wednesday. She's gone to the Dominican Republic. She said that she is thinking about coming back in two week instead of 4 now so that will be good. She is still really excited for her baptism and I am happy that I will be here for it!

Well that's about it for my week I love you all! And I love this time of year! I am so grateful for the Savior and for his great sacrifice. I have really been reflecting on it a lot lately and what the true meaning of Christmas really is. You guys make me so happy. Thanks for all your love and support.

And guess what...I GET TO TALK TO YOU ON CHRISTMAS.

Love,

Hermana San Juan