Dear Family and Friends,
I can hardly believe there's only two more weeks until Christmas
Eve... As a matter of fact, last night the Agoo city government put up a
whole bunch of Christmas lights and decorations in the central city
plaza, and upon first seeing the new lights, I couldn't figure out why
they were there. Despite the fact there there were a bunch of stars and
flashing reindeer. I think I need help. :P
This past
Friday, we were able to have our annual mission Christmas conference in
Baguio city proper! This was a nice change of pace after seeing the same
sights and walking the same paths for almost 4 straight months. We woke
up ridiculously early in the morning (3:30) and rode in a van up the
mountains with the most insane driver I have ever seen or heard of. (I'm
pretty sure we were going 90 mph around tight mountain curves with
steep drop offs). Good thing we have missionary protection. :) The
conference itself included games, a talent show and the
all-important-arrival of Santa Clause (see pictures below). Activities
aside, it was a great opportunity to have a brief reunion with many of
the missionaries who arrived in the mission with me, and to get to meet
new missionaries as well!
Much of the message of the
conference was focused on loving others as our first priority. It was
good for me to hear the quote "Never let a problem to be solved become
more important that a person to be loved" from
President Monson. Sometimes in the midst of my frustrations with
others, I know I become more focused on what the others is doing wrong,
rather than focusing on how I can lovingly help them to improve and
support them in the good things they are doing. Jesus Christ's example
to us is of course one of great patience, but also one of always
exhorting and helping to do good. The more I ponder on this idea, the
more convinced I become that sitting in frustration with other's
problems and flaws is pointless and foolish (no matter who the person
causing the problem is). The best thing we can do for others and for
ourselves is to obey Jesus' commandment, "Feed my Sheep." Only by
loving, serving and exhorting others unto righteousness can we find
fulfillment in any situation.
Yesterday, Sister Joy and Brother Jason once again made it to
church, and I am again to humbled by their true desire to follow the
Savior. I am privately hoping to be able to witness personally their
baptism, though I may be transferred to another area before the happens.
At any rate, Elder Garcia and I have a baptism scheduled for the 22nd
of December for one of the Part-Member-Families in our ward, so
hopefully we will be able to baptize at least once more person before I
leave Agoo. Truly the Lord's vineyard is a wonderful place to work, no
matter how hot the sun may sometimes be! Thank you for your prayers and
support, and may God bless you in the season of remembrance of the Lord,
Jesus Christ!
Love, Elder Dickison
Pictures this Week:
1) Elders Dickison and Hollister. Elder Hollister is my mission grandfather (my trainer's trainer).
2) Reunion with Elder Villipaz. When my trainer was sick in the hospital, Elder Villipaz temporarily served in my area with me.
3) All missionaries present at the conference who arrived with me in the Baguio Mission.
4) Elder Dickison and Santa Clause (in the flesh :)
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