Merry Christmas!

I can't believe Christmas is in 2 days!! All last week everyone (myself included) was receiving Christmas cards and packages. One hermana from my district even got a mini Christmas tree! And I have hung up all the Christmas cards in our room and get to brag about how awesome each of you are!

The environment here is amazing! My whole zone sang in the devotional on Tuesday, which was fantastic. Music can really bring the Spirit especially when you sing about Christ. We had the pleasure of hearing from Brother Rasband (from the Quorum of the Seventy) and he delivered a great message about spiritual gifts we've been given in our lives. And this week we have the privilege of hearing from 3 apostles (one Christmas Eve and two on Christmas day)!

The days are totally blurring together. I can remember certain things we've done but it's like I am in a time warp or something. Each day is mostly the same:  breakfast, study, lunch, study, gym, dinner, study. I am learning so much and my Spanish continues to get better every day. One bummer is that my favorite teacher went home for Christmas with his family so we are going to have a substitute for a while. But it's okay. So grateful for all the people that give up their time and energy to be with us at the CCM (Centro de Capacitacion de Misioneros or Spanish for MTC)  during this holiday season. 

The people in my zone have literally become like brothers and sisters to me. Each one of them is so interesting and unique. My companion tells me all about the East coast since she lives in Maryland and how she can be in Washington D.C. within and hour and New York City within 3 hours. I have one hermana in my district who lived on a giant farm and tells us crazy animals facts and stories about hunting and fishing with her family. Another hermana, who is from Arizona, has never seen snow and squeals with excitement every time we go outside! 

It has been snowing pretty much every day. It definitely makes the mountains and all the surroundings beautiful. But it sure is cold here for a California girl like me. This will be the first time I have ever experienced a white Christmas.

Hermana Braun and I are crazy! We always find a way to make things fun. We have been nicknamed Pocahontas and Meeko (I am Meeko...her racoon side-kick) We constantly sing and address all the trees as Grandmother Willow.  She and I take care of each other like we've been friends for years. We are even starting to laugh the same! 

Pocahontas and Meeko

This week and the upcoming week Hermana Edwards has made Hermana Braun and I a trio. She hasn't gotten her visa yet so she's joined with us and now we are the 3 Musketeers. I feel sorry for her because this is her 8th week so Hermana Braun and I are trying to make her prolonged stay more enjoyable. It was her birthday yesterday so we convinced all the elders in our zone to sing to her :) She's great!

Hermanas Eliason, Edwards and Braun

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas this Wednesday! Appreciate the times with your loved ones and remember the true meaning of this holiday! Continue to write me! The letters make me so happy :) Thank you for all the love and support!

-Hermana Eliason