(Amber Garvin from Provo, Utah served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as 'Mormons') in the Richmond, Virginia area (Now called the "Virginia Chesapeake Mission"). 'Sister' Missionaries are able to serve at age 19 for a period of 18 months. They leave their homes, families and educational pursuits to love and serve their fellowman, and to teach about how families can be together forever. All are invited to follow her missionary experiences.)

*I have now returned home to Utah and will continue to share the experiences of being a returned missionary. :)

Monday, December 15, 2014

Sunshine, and Christmas!

Dear Friends,

It's almost Christmas! Next week! Can you believe it?! Then it is 2015!  (I am probably going to have problems with that since some entries in my journal from this year think that it is 2010 and 2012...)

There is no snow in Utah yet, though we still hope that there will be a white Christmas. In some ways I feel like our states switched. It's been all over the news that the East coast is getting it bad this year. Has that hit you yet?

We are still enjoying 50 degree weather some days. It's been nice to be able to enjoy the fresh air, and warm sunshine this late into the year.

There is an elderly man that lives down the street from us and isn't a member. My mom has been reaching out in friendship to him because he lives alone, and has been struggling with several major health issues.  We know that we can go talk with him when his garage is open and he is sitting out enjoying the sunshine. In that regard, the weather has been miraculous.

Apparently our are is now covered by elders. I tried to go out with the Sisters when they were here, but I always had to ask them and then it took like 3 days for them to get back with me (I promise I wasn't annoying or overbearing, I just don't know how to simplify that sentence more). That has been sad for me. I guess the Lord needed me to do other things at this time.

By brother reached his first area--Kuna Idaho! Quite near Sister Watt, Sister Petrie, and Sister Wiley (For those who are young enough to remember her. ) His trainer is a fairly recent convert, and is exactly obedient. We all prayed really hard for that and are very grateful.

I've been called to teach the 17-18 year old Sunday School class, and I love it! It's been really enjoyable to have to prepare something for Church every Sunday. I'm gaining an even greater testimony that callings, and service in the church really are the key to true activity and being "anxiously engaged in a goo cause." That being said, I love callings. And there really is no greater calling than the one that the Lord calls you to.

I pray that as each of you continue to "Share the Gift" of Christ this week that you are given added strength to courageously represent the Lord with obedience, faith, boldness, kindness, service, love, hope, and all other attributes that invite the Savior's presence into our lives and the lives of others.

Merry Christmas next week!

Love,
Sister Amber Garvin

(Picture: Right-- Seeing the Lights at Temple Square with Dad.)