Hey, so I'm 15 hours ahead of you, NOT 13. So yeah, 7 am on the 25th for me sounds good! That would be 4pm on the 24th for you. Everything's good here, haven't felt any pain. I have to remind myself every day to drink more water, but I'm good. I got a few Christmas cards this week:
Thank you to Jason, Sara, and my little Pacaran's! :) I loved the picture. Thank you also to The Norris', Sister Davis, and the Mia Maids--I love the cards and appreciate the kind words! It's so nice to hear from people back home! THANK YOU so much!!!
Things here are still moving, investigators are good. Still trying to find more and get referrals. Man, now I understand how missionaries feel when they ask for referrals! We WANT to help and bring lost sheep back into the fold! So...TO ALL OF YOU WHO READ THIS, here's a challenge: PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE TO SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH, and refer them to your local missionaries by the end of the 1st week of this new year. That gives you TWO whole weeks to think of someone...and I'm sure some of you already have that person in the back of your minds, that person that you've always wanted to share the gospel with. Don't you want to share with others the one constant thing in your life that has brought you so many blessings, so much joy and peace? One way to show you truly care about someone is to teach them about the gospel and what it has done for you. Missionary work is one of the greatest things, it's a win-win situation: YOU are blessed for sharing what you believe and teaching your brothers and sisters about the gospel. YOU get to feel the joy of watching and being a part of the conversion process, seeing someone you love gain their own testimony. THEY are blessed for receiving the restored gospel through faith, repentance, and baptism. THEY will continue to be blessed as long as they endure to the end. In the end, EVERYONE's happy! WIN-WIN!
Anyway, I LOVE my comp, Sister Mongan! She has been through a lot of trials in her life, many family problems, but has remained true and steadfast in this gospel. There was a time when she was the only active member when she was probably still a younger teenager. She told me that it was so hard for her to go to church and see these families sitting together as she sat by herself on a pew. But what kept her going was her faith. Her faith and testimony of the gospel are rock solid. She is such an inspiration to me! I love teaching with her because whenever she bears her testimony it's always so powerful. I love it! I admire her so much, and we get along so well!
I'm getting more used to Indonesia every day. The language is coming, I'm starting to speak it a lot more and understand Sis Mongan when she's talking to other natives (which is when she talks super fast!).
On the 24th, we're going caroling to less-actives. That'll be fun! On the 25th we're going bowling in the morning and then to Senopati for the day. We're even doing a White Elephant there! Time is starting to fly, I have no idea where this past month went. I feel like it's still October or something, like Halloween hasn't even passed yet. I guess that's what happens when you enjoy what you do! And I am doing just that, enjoying every minute--good or bad!
I hope this email finds everyone in good health, good spirits, and enjoying life. One thing I was thinking about earlier today is that you can't change what's past...you can only move on, and hopefully learn from experience. Don't make the same mistakes that have already been made by you or others.
My love goes out to you all, may the Lord be with you, especially during this Christmas season! I hope you all have a wonderful, safe holiday!
Selamat Natal,
Sister Okamoto
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