Elder Snow Visit

Elder Snow of the seventy came to visit the mission. Details to come.

Tuesday- It was a pretty slow day. My knee was acting bonkers so we weren't able to get out much. We did get to eat dinner at the Piggot's home. They are just a riot. They have two kids on missions right now (sound familiar?).

Wednesday- It was a service day. We went and helped some members move some boxes around. They are really sweet people. They love the gospel. We also helped our Relief Society President put some lights up for a non-member. After that, we went to Ft. Eustis. There weren't very many soldiers there, but we had a lot of fun.

Thursday- Today was Zone Conference. This is the meeting Elder Snow presided in. There were a lot of things to be learned. President Baker focused on working with members during this Christmas season. They gave a lot of counsel from the scriptures. Elder Snow had us prepare 5 minute talks on Faith, then he had a few missionaries give them. He gave us tips on how we can improve when giving talks. After lunch, we heard from Sister Snow. She gave some really good advice. Elder Snow then gave some tips for when we return home. It was funny to see the older missionaries react. I still got a while Oh Yeah!!! I learned a lot from Zone Conference. I got to see Elder Terril for the first time in forever haha. We had a lesson with the Cooks. We just read out of the Book of Mormon, but it was definitely good for him.

Friday- We barbequed with Elder McCleary and Elder Aitken. It was a ton of fun. We went and helped set up for the "Night in Bethlehem." We helped the Piggot's set up a tree in the foyer and it was beautiful.

Saturday- We helped the Piggot's put lights up on their house. We then went and had a training on navigating Family Search so we can help investigators and less actives set up an account and get them started, then hand them off to consultants. We went to the Night in Bethlehem after we finished. We had a ton of fun. I touched a Llama hahaha.

Sunday- Church was amazing, per the norm. I'm really liking this ward. They are so wonderful and great. We went to eat dinner at the Staton's house after church. Their son is so funny. His name is Frederick. I love it. He kept trying to sit on my lap, so I grabbed some of his toys and warded him off haha.

My spiritual thought is in the Spirit of the season. I was pondering on the meaning of the phrase: "The Spirit of Christmas." I came to the conclusion, that the Christmas Spirit and the Holy Ghost are one and the same. The Christmas season is the time when most people feel the influence of the Holy Ghost. Why? Our hearts are turned to the birth of Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost gives us feelings of Peace. We can feel the "Spirit of Christmas" throughout the year, by turning our hearts to the Savior. Jesus is the Christ. He is the Prince of Peace. He is our Redeemer, and he is our Older Brother.

Finally got a picture of Chesapeake Bay, now need to get a non-blurry one.

Last full week before Christmas. What are ya'll doing to remember him? I'd love to hear from all ya'll (proper southern right there). Have a glorious week. I love you all.

Elder Dumont