Feliz Navidad!

Hola a todos, 

This week was a little different week due to transfers and preparing for Christmas, but regardless still a great week. 

This week, we met with an amigo who has been meeting with the missionaries for close to 4 years. He is really cool, really good at soccer, and has a lot of questions about the Gospel. But we taught him about work and faith, and how they go hand in hand. If we work, by studying the scriptures, attending church, praying, and exercise even just a particle of faith (Alma 32:27), we will receive a witness for ourselves. I felt the presence of the Holy Ghost as we taught,  and we set a baptismal date with him. So we are really excited to prepare him for baptism! 

This Christmas I have seen Christmas differently than usual. Being a missionary, I am a representative of Jesus Christ, and thus spent a little more time focusing on that rather than presents I want for Christmas. We give gifts at Christmas, and I love that part, but in a way, Jesus Christ was a gift for all of us. Because without him, we would not have the Atonement, and thus not have the ability to live with our family after this earthly life. If it wasn't for Jesus Christ, I would not have true joy in my life, and probably wouldn't be in Spain right now. And the gift of a Savior is the best gift of all, and for this, I am very grateful. So, this Christmas remember him. If you haven't already, read Luke 2 and watch the Christ child, the Light the World video. It is powerful, I haven't watched it once without feeling the spirit. 

Until next week, Feliz Navidad from España, and enjoy the Christmas holiday!

Élder Van Wagenen 

God Bless America, Viva la España

Fotos:

1. On top of Castillo Santa Barbara in Alicante

2. Me and my companion turned our piso into a real home, and part of that was building IKEA desks. It was so much fun!