Week 21

Dear friends and family,

It's been quite the week.  The transfer is ending, and it's hard to believe it's already a week into December.  Though, not a whole lot has happened.  The weather has been changing, which is exciting.  It's been kind of a coast of a week, but I guess that happens sometimes.  I wish I had some progress to report on, but that's alright.  We had some exciting activities to do, there were a couple parades the missionaries were invited to, we made it to the first one Friday night.  We walked along side a float and wore Christmas lights on our shoulders, and then we would run into the crowds on the sidewalks and talk to people and show them Light the World.  That was pretty fun.  Saturday night, we opened our Christmas Tree Lane booth, but we lacked some supplies and we ended up putting it down and walked around the neighborhood, handing out invitational cards and getting to know people from Ceres, kinda like the night before.  I enjoy walking around, seeing people, and talking to people who make eye contact.  It's crazy how bad people are at talking, everyone is so awkward and they just walk away from you.  Now maybe it's 'cause I'm walking around in a shirt and tie in the rain with a badge that says "JESUS CHRIST" that's turning some people off, but then again, I saw some weirder stuff out there, like drunk elves stumbling over Christmas hymns and Grinch fanatics blasting ranchero music.  It's safe to say a card from a skinny teenager could be more appealing.

Later that night, we got our calls for transfers.  I'm leaving!  I spent Sunday waiting to find out where exactly I would be going, as part two of transfer calls is Sunday night.  During sacrament meeting, the speakers referenced The Beatles and U2, the lines they said were "All You Need Is Love" and "You can't throw anything that I haven't already heard", talking about following the example of Jesus Christ to find happiness in this life, and also looking at Christ's atonement as a reminder that he's been through every pain conceivable.  When we rely on the Savior, all things are possible.  Not only his example, but his sacrifice, paved the way to heaven.  

Anyway, I'm getting transferred back to Modesto.  LET'S GOOOO!!  (I'll be serving with my trainer's trainer and an elder from my training area... trio?) 

I've been thinking about the Lord a lot, and also about myself.  Christmas time is a good time to think about the relationship I have with him.  All the blessings I have because a child was born in a humble stable over 2000 years ago.  Jesus Christ was willing to come down to this fallen earth and suffer the pains of the world, to be mocked, betrayed, and crucified for my sake.  Pray we don't forget these simple truths as we approach the celebration of our Savior's birth.  I love you all and am trying my best to make you proud, I wouldn't be out here without the influence I've had from you wonderful people.  Stay safe in the snow!!

Ya boi

Elder Gneiting

The carts don't haunt me anymore