December 21st Email

Hola Family, I have to keep this super short today, but I have had some great things happen this week!

First of all, sadly, Gary dropped us. He just couldn't quit smoking. It was too much pressure for him. We tried really hard and prayed so much for him, but He just decided that he didn't want to try anymore, and that he didn't want to meet with us. We are sad, but it's not his time. Someday other missionaries will be able to help him, but at least we planted a good tree ;)

Some great things happened though! We had a former investigator named Aaron, who progressed quite a bit, but he couldn't get Sundays off, and couldn't progress much more, so we stopped seeing him for a while. The other day, we were going to an appointment in his apartment complex, and all of a sudden we hear him calling after us. He was running toward us and very enthusiastically yelling "Sisters! I got Sundays off!"... We haven't taught him since September.... That is a miracle! We are so excited to help him progress.

Another miracle. Our Less-active, Candice, has struggled a lot because she wants her husband Eli to join the church. She cries every time we go over there. She has invited him a few times to sit in on our lessons, but he has always declined. The other day we had an appointment with her, and we walked in and saw him sitting in the family room with his laptop. This is a common thing, but usually he gets up and leaves. This time, he closed his computer, and remained sitting in the chair. Needless to say we adjusted out lesson plans! We have met with him twice now! He's great. He's a little hesitant, and definitely doing it for Candice, but I think soon he will understand how important it is for HIM. We are excited =)

Those are just a few amazing things, but I wanted all of you to know about that! I'm so excited for Christmas, and I just love the Savior. I'm thankful that we get to think about him a little more in depth at this time of year!

I love you all!

Sister Bonelli