Merry Christmas! December 26, 2011 (Great Bend)

Merry Christmas!

I hope your day was everything you wanted it to be.

I have the best friends and family, ever. Thank you everyone for the letters and Christmas cards. I read all 30 of them yesterday. I can't express how much I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you so much. It made my Christmas perfect. Love you.

I now know why everyone says the Christmas you spend on your mission is one that you remember. Spending this Christmas away from home, family and the normal routine was what I needed. I loved being with other people and witnessing their love for their families and the Savior. It has helped me see what is really important and what really matters.

President Keyes left us a voicemail on Christmas Eve and something he said really hit me. "Make every day a Merry Christmas." I loved that. I love that every day can be Christmas if we center it on Jesus Christ. Everything else that Christmas envelops doesn't matter if our focus is on Him. I didn't miss anything because I was able to focus on what really mattered. I'm grateful for that opportunity. It really is a Christmas I will never forget.

Oh and also, to my freaking awesome family, I love you. It was so fun to talk to you and see you on Skype last night :)

Other things of the week;

We had a giant snowstorm here in Kansas and we had to drive to Junction City that same day. Through a lot of phone calls, closed down and then opened and then closed again highways we ended up leaving Great Bend Tuesday afternoon and heading north (I think?)

On our way to JC we saw a total of 15 cars slide off the road; one was right behind us.... I had a small panic attack as I saw it spin a few times and land into a giant snow bank. And yes, I was the lucky one driving, but the Lord watched over us and we made it safe and sound 3 hours later.

I can't explain how wonderful it was to be back in Junction City. I never thought I would love that small army town as much as I did. Plus seeing my old companion Sister Fie'eiki again made it all that much more fun. We got to eat dinner with Josie Stringham (one of the people we baptized back in March) and catch up on all the things that I had missed in her life. We also went and visited the Underwood family. The sisters haven't gotten into their home since I left and so we thought we would try one last time. They let us in and entering into their house my heart sank. I wish I could say they are still holding strong and active...but they aren’t. It was hard to see them back to where they were when I first met them 11 months ago. During our visit they were very honest and open with me as was with them. I challenged them to go to church one more time before they move to Texas at the end of the month. I gave them one last hug and said goodbye to them. - All I can do is hope and pray that something happens for them in the future. They know its true and it’s all up to them.

On a happier note we ended that night with seeing the Humbards. Oh my goodness I love them. They are the best family ever. They were sealed in the temple 4 weeks ago and are still glowing from it. I am so happy for them. All the progress they have made over the past year is completely inspiring. I can't wait to hang out with those 2 in the future.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see the King family. Although I was super bummed I did talk to Sister King on the phone for a little bit. They are all doing great. Bro. King now has the Melckezdick priesthood and they are working on getting ready for the temple. It was so good to hear that this gospel does continue on for those that are really willing to do the work.  Someday I'll be able to play with little miss Lainey again and hold her for real (and not feel guilty about it due to missionary rules).

Our zone conference in Topeka was wonderful, really long but wonderful. Our day started at 3 am and didn't end until 10:30 p.m. but every minute of it was worth it. I got to see some great friends and feel an amazing Spirit. President and Sister Keyes are just the sweetest most genuine people. It was a great day.

It has been another complete blessing being here in Great Bend and being on a mission. I can't believe I am where I am. I never thought I would make it to this point. But I'm here and I can't imagine anything better. I'm so grateful for this gospel. I'm grateful for each and every up and down I have had over the past 11 months. I know that this is the most important truth that we have in this life. Why not "go on in such great a cause?" 


I love each of you. Thank you for everything that you are. You mean the world. Be safe and enjoy the coming New Year. Make every day a Merry Christmas.

Sister Hall