Week 22

Buenos días a todos! Esperamos que ustedes estén muy bien y estén disfrutando esta tiempo de navidad. This week was an interesting week cause a ton happened which made it so not a ton happened. It started out on Monday night when we decided to buy a domino table. This was the best decision we've ever made. We've played dominos every lunch and night and it's been great. Then we had zone conference on Wednesday and this was a lot fun and very spiritually enlightening. We did a gift exchange time thing which was a lot of fun although my gift was thankyou notes from a hermana so not too useful for me. I did get a sweet pen that has a level and screwdriver tho. We also had a ton of really good food so that was awesome. Then nothing really happened till Friday where we had the Christmas party for the Rama and boy Dominicans know how to party. The music was blasting and everyone was dancing. Except for us of course. We also brought our domino table and played. I played on a team with a member that is about 80 years old and it was awesome. We won 4 rounds in a row. It is crazy how good Dominicans are at dominos. It's something that everyone plays. From the youngest kid to the oldest lady. They all know how to play. The only thing is the party started an hour and a half late the food didn't even come out till 9:30 so we didn't get to eat.  

How does the church in the DR function different from the Gilbert 6th ward?
          - it's not too different to be honest just a lot newer. They also admire high positions in the church a lot more. If anyone from the stake is coming they do everything they can to make it perfect. 
- What are you studying in the scriptures?  
          - I recently I finished the Book of Mormón so I started the Doctrine of Covenants. I've really enjoyed it because it talks a ton about Missionary Work. 
- How have you come closer to Jesus Christ during the past five months?
         - My relationship with Christ has grow in ways I didn't know possible. I have learned more about His Atonement and repentance. It has been amazing to get to know Him not as a all powerful being that is millions of miles away but instead as a brother that is walking side by side with me. 
- Have you had any crazy experiences finding people?
         Yes, a few but in general we have found that if we are working hard woth honest intentions God will always put someone in our path whether it's pouring rain or whatever the conditions may be. 
- Do you communicate with other missionaries from Gilbert, how are they doing?
- sometimes, they seem to be doing well. 

Now for my spiritual thought:

The other day I was listening to one of the inspirational videos that the church has called, From Weakness to Strength. It was really really good and I invite all of you to watch it but there was a particular quote that I love. It says, "yes, God loves me how I am. But he also loves me way too much to leave me the way I am." I loved this because we often feel like we aren't good enough for God but I promise that God loves you how you are. He also loves you enough to let you go though trials so that you can grow. Without the trials we will never grow to the potential only God knows that we have. I know that He loves us and that he puts us through the trials that He has already lived through. He will never push us past our limit. He knows us and loves us. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen. 

Have a great Christmas!
Elder Jonah Greer