25 days of christmas

Hey family,

The work is still slow here, but we have faith that as we press forward with faith in Christ that the work will pick up. We only have one investigator right now and she's even struggling, but the Lord has blessed us with tender mercies throughout the past weeks. We've gotten a couple of refferals from members! One of them is so ready to take the next step. He's been investigating the church on his own for almost two years and has asked his LDS coworker many questions. The only thing holding us back right now is setting up a time to meet him and his wife, but I know it will happen when the Lord wants it to. Do you remember the less active sister I wrote about last week? Sis. Porr finally went in for surgery this last Thursday. She received a priesthood blessing the night before. She texted us afterwards and said she threw her cigarettes out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The Lord has truly softened her heart and she is so open to learn and obey. It is a miracle in the making. We are going to start teaching her daughter who was never baptized next week. I count my blessings for the service the ward has done and that we were able to render to help her head in the right direction. So even though we don't have many solid investigators right now, the Lord is blessing us with some teaching opportunities, success with some of our less active sisters, referrals, and so many other small things every day.

We got to watch the Christmas devotional yesterday. I loved it. The spirit was so strong throughout the meeting. I loved President Eyring's talk concentrating on the symbol of light. The Savior is truly a light to the world and He offers everything to us if we will take it. He gave us so many magnificant gifts that we can never repay. Out on the mission, the Christmas spirit is a little different this year for me than it ever has been before. A little to my surprise, I'm not at all worried about gifts or commercial things; I'm only worried about others, for the welfare of their souls. I am so thankful for the chance I get to serve my God 24/7 during this Christmas season, to share His gifts with others so they can find peace, joy, and light. It's so amazing. I am eternally indebted to my Savior and all that he does for me, and the least I can do is give a little bit of time to Him to help bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children in South Carolina. At the last leadership training, they told us, "You are away from your family for a little time so that other families can be together forever." I love that.

Remember to share the gospel during this season. Service is truly one of the best ways to get into the "Christ spirit". If any of you are looking for something simple to do for missionary work, go on mormon.org and set up a profile. It's simply baring your testimony for anyone to read. Our mission president has really been urging our members to set up profiles. It helps to see what people in your area believe about this gospel.

Anyway, have a wonderful week y'all. Don't forget to keep the love and light of Christ-mas in your hearts every day!

Love you!

Sister Cottam