So this is the New Year.

   So my first Christmas in the field was a ton of fun!! As much fun as i would have at home? Most likely not, but it was a different kind of special!! Due in part to the lack of caring about the commercial side of it all. We really got to focus on the true import of this time of year. But i was able to talk to almost ALL of my family(all except 2 of my little brothers. .) and it was wonderful. I feel however that i may have bored them all to death!! You start to run out of things to say after a while. But it was great speaking with them and they are amazing!! I love 'em!
  I am staying another transfer here with Elder Collier, which is what i wanted! And we are happy to be here together to do what we can. At the end of this week we will have been together for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, Both of our birthdays(3rd, and 26th) Our Year Mark(30th) and New Years!! I am pretty excited to be with someone that came out with me, during so many big events in the mission. Now all we need is some work. ha ha.
  We have a few people that we are working with and we are doing what we can to help them progress towards following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. I love the people of California and it has been the most rewarding service of my life. I try to think of some of the things that i did when i was back home and try to imagine if any of it had any worth. . Most of my time was primarily spent working, which is good, but i would hardly qualify it as "Better, or Best. ." Being out here has allowed me to see the real reason we are here on this Earth. To become the best we can be! Not in the worlds eyes though. Only in the eyes of our Father in Heaven. We have the time, and we have the talents, the trick i feel is in knowing how and when to use them, and for what purpose? I don't claim to have all the answers to what MY purpose is, but i do know that until now, i haven't really tapped into the "me" that i should be.
   I know that the Church of Jesus Christ has again been restored to the Earth in these Latter-Days by a gracious and loving Heavenly Father and that His wonderful plan of Redemption is made possible through the grace, love, and atoning blood of our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. The prophet Joseph Smith was called to restore a marvelous work that blesses millions of lives to this day. And the power and authority of God has been granted to man for His wise purposes in the bringing about of the salvation of His children. Our church is led by Jesus Christ through His mouthpiece and prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He leads and guides us in righteousness. And the Book of Mormon is convincing evidence of the love that God has for us. And that His church has again been brought to the world. These things were not made known unto me of any worldly wisdom or proofs that the world so wantonly demands. These truth's i know by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. In whom a testimony of Christ can and will be gained if sought for with honesty and diligence.
   I am grateful for the many blessings that i have in my life. I have an amazing family who i wouldn't trade for anything. And i am serving the Lord here in one of His more. . .obstinate parts of the vineyard;) I love it. I love my life.