69th week in Japan
12/5/2016
Short One from Elder Hirschi

Dear Family and Friends,

Sorry it is going to be a short one this week. We are headed to the mission home for Mission Leadership Conference, so I am writing this on the bus. I hope that everyone is having a great Christmas season. I am not sure who all knows, but we are doing the 25 days program this year and trying to serve others. If you haven't seen the new Christmas video yet, I really recommend watching it.

I just want to testify to everyone that we have been given the greatest gift of all during this time of year. It was over 2000 years ago, but because of Heavenly Father's great gift to us we can find joy in this life even in the hard times. The Savior truly has a great love for us. Whenever we feel alone, sad, tired, depressed, or hurt, we can always remember that he has gone before us. He paid the price for us. Through the Savior's grace we have been made free. I know he lives. I know he loves us. I testify of these things in his sacred name Jesus the Christ, amen.

Ponderizing scripture: Alma 58:37

Questions:

Did you get any packages lately?  Were you able to make a Thanksgiving meal yet?

Yes, I got the Thanksgiving and the Christmas one! You are the best! We were getting bombarded with package slips in our post box and had to call them a bunch because Elder Johnson got a few too. We have not been able to make a Thanksgiving meal yet. We haven't really had too much time to do it. Thanks for the food though. It's not everyday that you get to eat some delicious stuffing in Japan.

What has been your favorite thing about being a zone leader?

My favorite thing about being a zone leader is probably going to Mission Leadership Conference and seeing all of my good friends there. There are so many great missionaries here that have become great friends. 

 How is everything holding up besides your bike?  Clothes and socks and things?

Everything else is good. Thanks so much. The bike costed a little bit to fix up, but it is working awesome now! It will last me for a long time. 

Have you been doing the stuff on your advent calendar from the Church?

Yes, but we didn't realize until after a few days that it is actually mostly for kids. For example, one of the things was to help your parents make dinner... well we made dinner for ourselves haha. It's fun though anyways.

Will you get out your Christmas music and play it?  Do you still have it?

I do still have it and I have already played a little.

Have you seen any snow in your area yet?  Does it still rain quite a bit or not too much?

There has not been snow yet, but apparently it snows a lot in Fukuchiyama. Lately the weather has been great though. It still rains here and there. It's not too bad. 

 Have you seen any couple missionaries lately?  How was zone conference?

I have not. There is only a few in this mission. I guess we saw the Bills at the mission home and we will probably see them today. They do a bunch of the office work. Zone conference went well. 

Well have a great Christmas season. Remember to look for service opportunities around you each day. 

Elder Hirschi