So this was a way sweet week! I started the week sending off all y'alls christmas cards (if you didn't get one I don't have your address). And because of that, I never want to lick another envelope in my life! I really had to keep a glass of water next to me to make it physically possible! ;) Tuesday we had a SWEET lesson with an investigator... watching Finding Faith in Christ. The Spirit was SO STRONG!!, which makes our job easy. After all, it's not us that convinces or converts, we just act as the guides to help people act on their own feelings.
This week I was blessed with 2 more flat tire stories, making that 5 just in my time in Orange Park. I have slime tires (which I thought would prevent these type of things) which have green slime that supposedly stop up punctures. Right. All that accompished was to spray green slime all up the back of my bike and leave a bright green trail all the way down Blanding as we walked to our next destination. Ugh.
Friday afternoon/evening was definitely the highlight of the week. The entire mission (about 140-150 missionaries) met together at the JAX W Stake Center for a Christmas devotional. Most of the time was spent with President calling up different missionaries to bear their testimonies. We were also able to hear quite a few musical numbers. Elder Kenworthy and I were able to sing a duet of "Joseph Smith's First Prayer", which was sweet. It definitely brought back memories. Speaking of memories, you may remember that a year ago at that same meeting we announced a mission goal of 650 baptisms for 2008. It definetely stretched our vision and our goals, and tried our faith (prior to this year the highest was 320). As of this weekend we will have baptized 650+ people. The Lord has definitely blessed this area. And He's not done yet... we set a goal for next year of 1050, and I've decided that we need to accomplish it by January because I'm selfish and I want to be here to see it happen!
Sunday was pretty cool. We sang in the ward choir music program, including a mens octet (sp?) of "Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel". Also, the other elders (OP2) brought some people that they've been teaching that their going to switch to us. They're from Haiti and have only been here a few months. There's a few people in our ward that know French, and so they'll be doing some translating, while Elder Van Genderen and I will be doing some creative teaching. (I can hear Mama telling me I should have paid more attention in French class!)
And lastly... transfers have come and gone, and for the 3rd time on my mission I will be keeping a companion for longer than 6-weeks. (I dare not think about what that says about me). Elder VG will be my last companion. In fact, our entire apartment will be staying. The only change is that I've been asked to serve as district leader. I suppose it'll be good to keep me going strong 'til the end. President Newman told us we have permission to run that stop sign!
Merry Christmas everyone! It's crazy to think that it's come and gone so fast. I pray that, even in the hustle & bustle of the season and everything else going on in the world, we might have time to stop and honor Him who is our Savior and our King.
Love, Elder Borgia
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