Christmas Email!!!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS, my beautiful family!!!

Thank you so much for making me feel SO loved even while I'm not with you this Christmas. You are the BEST family anyone could ever have.

Today we are going to hear from a special speaker.... and it's still a surprise. No idea yet who it will be, but we've all made our guesses!!

Last night we heard from Elder David F. Evans of the first quorum of the seventy and also, his wife. He served his mission in Japan... so it was awesome to hear his stories. He reminded us that charity will cast off all fear and we WILL be able to learn Japanese.

This morning I did a quick scripture study. I read 3 Nephi 11 from the Book of Mormon. I thought that even though this wasn't the Christmas story, it was a perfect story about Christ to study and celebrate his birth and life and sacrifice. Jesus came into the world to fulfill his Father's will from the beginning. Verse 10-11 "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world." "And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning." In this chapter, we also read about how Jesus showed himself to the people of the Americas, taught his gospel, and invited the people to declare his words. I am excited to be able to prepare here in the MTC to declare his words and invite people to accept his gospel and his sacrifice. Our Savior loves us more than we can comprehend. I am so grateful to know Him and to know what His atonement can do for me.

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Thanks for everything you have done for me.

Merry Kurisumasu!! Ai shite imasu!!

Reeves Shimai