Gesù & Gelato: The GIFT of Christmas

Christmas came early to the Sassari Sorelle! Gift was baptized on Saturday and I couldn't have asked for more this year. I don't have tons of time today so this is going to be very brief!! Gift showed up to her baptism an hour and a half before it started so excited and happy. She brought her roommated Blessing, and the little boy she babysits, Unity and his mom! What a good missionary :) The program ran so smoothly and the spirit was felt by everyone in attendance, I don't know if I have any tears left it was just so happy.

Gift's Baptism

When it came time for the actual baptism, we all gathered around the font and Fulvia (a member) was nudging someone toward the front- TERESA! Teresa came to the baptism! She was there! This was one of the biggest miracles of the week. We had a lesson with Teresa during the week and Sorella Zapata broke her boxes hardcore (she needed it) and then we invited her to the baptism and Christmas party! She politely declined but fortunately changed her mind :)

We decided to do round 2 of caroling and visit some more less active members and contacts! A few people we got to share the SiiUnaLuce video with and invite the Christmas spirit into their homes :) I love this time of year that we have to celebrate Christ! I am so blessed to be a representative of Him at this time. I know that His gospel brings us peace, comfort, and true joy.

Yesterday during the 3rd hour of church we watched the Christmas Devotional as a branch! It was incredible. If you haven't seen it, maybe read or listen to some of the talks!! I want to share my favorite quotes from it with y'all.

"It’s not how much you have but how much you love." -Elder Uchtdorf. I opened my scriptures to this chapter and came across this note (see picture) on a day I really needed it. It brought me to tears. Thank you Claire, I love you!

Elder Duncan, reflecting on his mission said, "If Christ had left His heavenly home and come to earth to suffer and die for us, I could certainly leave my home and put up with a few little discomforts to share His wonderful message. That Christmas taught me the pure joy of helping people obtain Heavenly Father’s greatest gift of all, His glorious plan of happiness—and happiness, I discovered, was the one thing that everyone wants most, not just at Christmastime, but always." This really hit home with me. These past couple weeks have been difficult for me, but these struggles are nothing compared to what Christ suffered for each one of us! I am so thankful for His atoning sacrifice and for the knowledge that I can overcome anything because of Him. Christmas as a missionary really does help me feel the pure joy that comes only through sharing this great gift of the gospel with others. I know that He truly does have a plan of happiness for every one of us if we will simply put our trust in Him. ❤ I am so thankful for this Christmas season and the opportunity to remember Christ and celebrate His birth!

Sorry this email is so short. No time plus I'll be talking to the family in 6 days! I love you all hope you have a Merry Christmas! I would love to get an email from you for Christmas (to whoever is reading this)!

Can't wait to see the family in less than 1 week ❤❤

Buon Natale a tutti!