December is Officially LIT!!

 

Daniel says this is probably only 1/3 of the Lone Peakers in his mission

With the light the world campaign and other miracles, my December has officially be LIT!!

This past week we had transfers and I got my new companion Elder Ellsworth who is from Sandy, Utah and went to Hill Crest. It was funny, we connected the dots that during our senior year, he played on his school soccer team, and they played Lone Peak at Hill Crest and that is a game I actually went to and watched. Who would've guessed that I was watching my future comp play soccer?! Kinda crazy. But he is an absolute BEAST. He is probably one of the hardest IF NOT the hardest working missionary. He knows how to be the most effective planner and he's super sincere and a powerhouse! We are ready to bulldoze this transfer and grind out some good and meaningful missionary work!

Today is actually the first time it has snowed here in Virginia! It is honestly just a few flakes that will melt by noon but because the state of Virginia shuts down during the lightest snowfall, we were "instructed" to stay indoors and we can't drive around. I guess it's kinda of sad the one day we could've actually left and enjoyed the outside world it decided to snow. But no worries, we are inside enjoying the scene, sipping our hot chocolate, and listening to some Josh Groban sing The First Noel. (I secretly think our downstairs neighbor wished it hadn't snowed either because I'm sure she wants a break of having us living about her 24/7 for at least a few hours ;)

But yesterday at church we were majorly blessed! Makayla, Christina, and Isaiah came to church! We had the Young Women's President (Sister Najdawi) pick them up and give them a ride to church. It was the most incredible experience. I got nervous when they came in late and walked into the sacrament room and honestly every single head turned to see them and Bishop even paused for a bit just to see these three youth walk into church in their ripped jeans and hoodies. It was good for the members. So good, in fact, that after the meeting we almost had a "greeting line" to meet this young family! Members were talking, joking, and fellowshipping these youth like crazy! It was such an amazing experience that they are excited to come to church again next week! Some of the best members live out here in Midlothina, Virginia! I'm so grateful for them!

The only 2 things I missed from Utah were the snow and the Stewart's Christmas lights. Now that it snowed, I guess I can live vicariously through you all as I INVITE AND BEG you all to go see the Stewart's Christmas lights. They honestly are one of the 7 wonders of (the Christmas season) world. 

Love you all!

Elder Gardanier