Merry Christmas!!

Dang! I can not believe that it is Christmas, it doesn't feel like it. Especially being away from home for the first time. Very strange. But it's also because it has been hot this side for the last little bit. Little change from the snow.. 😂😂 (Definitely miss it😭. I'll be okay 😂 Someone will have to hit the ski slopes for me either way.. Hopefully you all get some more snow. I've heard it's not doing so well that side.)

      Once again, it’s been a little bit. I am extremely sorry about that. I don't even really know where to start.... SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED since the last email. If I remember correctly, it was a few weeks ago and that was before transfers. 

     I haven’t changed areas since I have been here. I hit my six-month mark in Motherwell! That's crazy! Dang, how I miss my last zone! Definitely the best zone in the mission. We'll if that didn't give it away, I am no longer in Motherwell. Transfers have happened and I got moved. I moved over to Brackenfell, Cape Town. What a change it has been, it's weird to change areas after being there for so long. This new area is developed and kind of slow. Doesn’t compare to Motherwell. But it's all good, the members are super nice this side and have definitely taken care of us missionaries. (Saving Grace for sure) It would have been a little rough if they didn't show their love for us. But they did! So please show your love for the missionaries near you. It's not easy to be away from home during one of the best holidays ever! 😊 

     Back to the area! Luckily, we have a township that we cover. We haven't done too much in it yet, but I have a feeling that once I get to know the area a little bit more, we will try to work it more! The city area is very developed however. (It's weird seeing sprinklers again) It's also kind of nice to eat at tables again. Definitely a change, but it's good. I greet people in Xhosa, yes, even if they are white😂😂 They may not understand exactly why but I don't care. Xhosa is a beautiful language. I hope I am fluent by the time I get home. 

     My new area is an adjustment but it is going well. Oh yeah, my new comp is Elder Lizon. An amazing Elder who is very obedient, which is very nice. He helps me stay on track. 

     I hope that your Christmas has been amazing, and that the new year will treat you even better! I hope you have felt the love and joy of the Savior!

I would love to share a little Christmas message. 

This video is called Far Away, it's a song that has a video with it. 

Far Away

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/christmas-messages/2018-11-0170-far-away?lang=eng

I just want to invite everyone, whether you watch the video or not, to be a light to someone's day. Lighten the world and bring the joy that comes with sharing the things that we have been blessed with.  Many people around us don't have this. 

     We had the opportunity to deliver packages that the Relief Society of our ward prepared for some of the members that don't have much. And the joy and appreciation that each one of them had was life changing. The smiles on those little kid’s faces is something that I will never forget. So, no matter how small you think it is. NOTHING GOES UNNOTICED OR UNAPPRECIATED. NOTHING. 

I know that our Savior was born and that is the best gift anyone could receive this Christmas Season. I am so thankful that I have this opportunity to serve Him. I am thankful for the Real reason of Christmas. I love you all and hope that you will find true joy in worshiping our Savior. #Lighttheworld 

With Love,
      Elder Lawrence

Pictures

1) Opened presents! From a member in the ward

2) Elder Lizon and me on bikes after church

3) Us with Santa (Ward Christmas Party) 

4)Elder Hingano and me (Last area) 

5) The Ngweventsha Family (Last area) 

6) Anda and Siya (Last area) 

7) The Butlers (Last area) 

8) Sister Lutho and her kid (Last area) 

9) Siya (Last area) 

10) Elder Hingano, Siya, and Me (Last area) 

11) Mama Oliphant, her grandson, and me (Last area)