Feliz Natal!

I can hardly believe that Christmas is already this week! Granted, it doesn´t really feel like Christmas to me here...but I´m excited for all the festivities that you are having and for the chance you have to be together (and that I get to talk to you this week :D )
It feels like it has been a long time since the last time I wrote! It´s hard to remember what day it is here...but the week was good. Domingas, an investigator from Cabo Verde was baptized on Saturday! We got a call at 1 am Friday night/Saturday morning from her husband who is a member, and some problems that he has came to light. But, Domingas is really strong and has a testimony of her own, and still wanted to be baptized Saturday. It is so amazing to get to see and help people who are newly coming to a faith in and understanding of Jesus Christ and His gospel. It is His love that makes this time of year (and all others) full of joy and happiness. I think it´s just easier to follow His example this time of year.
As I may have written last week, the theme or motto of this mission is to Find and Fulfill the will of the Lord. So, I have been studying that some in my personal studies and it has been really interesting. One interesting example (of what not to do!) is the people of Limhi in Mosiah 21. They wanted to escape from bondage, and so, acting ´according to their own desires´they tried 3 times to fight their way out. What did they get? Pain and suffering! If we just try to do things our own way without seeking the guidance and will of the Lord, we will get no where! The people of Limhi had to suffer grief and pain before they humbled themselves to turn to the Lord. But, if we follow His will, we won´t escape hard times, but He will support, strenghen, and guide us.
On Saturday after the baptism of Domingas, the ward had a Festa de Natal...which mostly consisted of eating desserts! I tried a lot of stuff, because when am I going to be in Portugal at Christmas again? (except next year!) It was really good!
Merry Christmas to you all, I hope that you have a wonderful week and remember the reason that we have to celebrate every day of our lives- Christ!