Three Ships Go Sailing

I don't have much to say today. Not really. MERRY CHRISTMAS, TOUT LE MONDE! My family is wonderful. It was so great to see them over Skype. They also sent me some packages, and it was truly wonderful. Christmas time is a wonderful time, so long as we remember the true purpose behind the season, and are not caught up in consumerism and coveting, and monetary insufficiencies, and advertisments, and store sales. Giving to others is wonderful, but it is most important that we are grateful this season, and remember Jesus Christ, the Son of God who came to earth and atoned for our sins. We should see Christmas as an excuse to focus even more on Christ and to recommit ourselves to him with even more determination, not as an excuse to go and splurge. 

'Nough said.

The ward here is wonderful. They take great care of us. This ward has treated us the best out of all of the wards I have served in on my entire mission (and all of my wards have exceeded expectations). This area is doing wonderfully right now. We have 3 people who are on date to be baptized within the next month, and 2 others who have committed to be baptized but for some reason or another have not yet nailed down a specific time (or have had to change it).

Rose should be baptized this coming week, and we are so excited for her.

As for transfer news (because we got our transfer calls on Christmas Eve), I will be the only one out of our foursome who is staying. Elder Pisciotta is heading to Silverdale, Elder Payne is off to Raymond, and Elder Rogers is off to Ocean Shores. This leaves me to usher in Elders Jocelyn (The other Zone Leader), Budge, and a greenie. (Budge and the greenie being Spanish missionaries).

Anyway, I am very excited to have the opportunity to bring these three Elders in. It may be a little stressful, but I doubt it will be too bad. 

This last transfer was amazing, and I think the coming transfer will be as well.

Have a wonderful week, everyone, and Happy New Year!
--

Elder Benge