We are in week 3 here in Bethel, Maine and I really like it here! We haven't had any snow yet (thank goodness) but the weather has been freezing so it might as well be snowing...all the lakes are getting frozen over which is never a good sign..help. This past week has been very long, but very good. As you all know, we had thanksgiving! Two families were kind enough to feed us and invite us to their family parties which was very nice :) I really really missed my family traditions and it was a strange experience having to spend a major holiday away from home...I'm not sure if I liked it very much but everyone says the first one is the worst. We'll see! I'm just grateful the members here are so willing to make sure we are always happy☺️
It might sound very strange, but this year I am thankful for my trials. I am grateful for the experiences I've had before my mission and all growing up that has brought me here today. I am grateful for the way these trials have strengthened me and have given me a way to relate to people here. I am thankful for the testimony that these difficult trials have formed and that I am able to share it every single day with those that need it. I know it's not normal to be giving thanks for all the hard and challenging times in my life, but being out here on a mission has showed me the things I've learned and the far way I've come from them. I wouldn't trade my trials for anything.
Anyway, enough about gratitude...ITS CHRISTMAS TIME!!! You have no idea how excited I am. We put our tree up, we play Christmas music all the time, we bought stockings and Santa hats, and we have lights stringing all over our apartment. Sister Cox and I wear our hats as we plan and we wore them to one of our appointments we have also been planning a "25 Days of Christmas" for our investigators and less-active members in the ward that we've been working with. We want to do something for them every day this December so if anyone has good ideas, send them my way! That would be so helpful :)
IMPORTANT: the new Christmas video has officially been released by the church. It's the #ASaviorIsBorn and as missionaries, we've been trained and pushed and encouraged to share this video and to get people on the christmas.mormon.org website as much as possible! It's our 'Christmas initiative' and it's SUCH a wonderful message. Please go watch it and share it on your social media! The church is stressing this video so much because they know how much good it can do in this crazy world. FLOOD THE INTERNET WITH LIGHT. Thanks :)
I have an ipad which means I can share photos and videos on the iCloud sharing thing. If you want to be a part of that so you can see what I'm up to throughout the week, send me your number or just let me know and I'll add you!
Church was crazy yesterday...it was like the Sister Cox and Watson show. Sister Cox spoke in sacrament, we both taught gospel principles, and then we taught third hour with all the relief society, priesthood, young women's, and young men's. Soooo basically the whole ward! We taught about member-missionary work and showed them the new Christmas video. Sometimes I wonder why I signed up for a mission when I'm terrified of speaking in front of people. Hmm. But it all worked out! The ward is really on board with helping us out which is awweessooommmeeeee.
Oh...here's some horrible news....our investigator Vivian who has been progressing with flying colors decided to come up to us at church yesterday and tell us that she doesn't want to be baptized. Are you serious. She's been more active in this church lately than 2/3 of the actual members are! She owns and reads all the materials, we teach her twice a week, she comes to ALL the ward activities, and now she comes out to say that she doesn't want to be baptized. We don't understand it. She's been being taught for 3 months now so I've only taught her about 5 times and I really thought she had that desire. It's literally heartbreaking when something like this happens...you love the people SO much that it kills you inside when you have to see them not realize the bigger picture. Sooooo frustrating :(
I'm not sure what else to talk about...but I'm just super excited to serve at this time of year and focus on our Savior Jesus Christ. I feel so blessed to be representing Him at such a vulnerable time for the people who are unaware of everything He suffered for us. This time of year is a perfect time to serve and to love and to sacrifice your own time for the sake of others. I have a new love for service and I find pure joy as I put other's happiness above my own.
Merry Christmas!
Love, Sister Watson
Weekly planning with our Dr. Pepper's and Santa hats :)
Our tree!! :) :)
Welcome to Maine!
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