Tis' the season...

Hola a todos,

I had a great week! Me and my companion had a lot of appointments with people this week. Amigos, recent converts, and members alike. We ate very well this week. My Thanksgiving dinner was quite spectacular. In our ward, there is a family who lived in the states for a couple years and can speak perfect English and Spanish, and they invited us over for Thanksgiving dinner. We had stuffing, mashed potatoes, salad, and a huge Turkey. We had an excellent meal, and for dessert we had homemade pumpkin pie and homemade whipped cream. Dare I say it was better than Costco's. I was truly spoiled this Thanksgiving, and I hope everyone else's was great as well.

It's that time of year again, Christmas! The Light the World campaign this year is awesome. I saw the video while at the MTC, and have watched it again, it is so powerful! I would highly recommend you all watch it sometime, and I can't wait to share it with the people of Spain. It really focuses on the gift of Christ and gives a different perspective to Christmas. So this season, focus on the birth of Christ, and truly how much of a gift it was for us. As John 3:16 states beautifully:

16 ¶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

And on a patriotic note, let us not forget this Saturday. December 7th, 1941, Japanese forces unleashed a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor 78 years ago. 2,335 people lost their lives. President Roosevelt said it would be a day that would live in infamy, so be sure to fly your flag and remember Pearl Harbor this Saturday. Fun fact, many people believed that God had forgotten about America due to the carnage caused by the attacks. And although that day was a terrible one in American history, it could have been much worse. Every single aircraft carrier was deployed and not at port at the time of the attack, and the aircraft carriers were the main targets for the Japanese forces. And many vital resources, specifically the oil fields, were undamaged. The Lord is always aware of forces for good. 

I hope everyone has a great week, and a great start to the holiday season. Until next week! 

Élder Van Wagenen 

God Bless America, Viva la España

  Fotos: (sorry they are lame this week!)  

1. Selfie check in with my trainer, Elder Whitehead

2. Our beast Thanksgiving dinner in Spain