January 2, 2012 - Hey Family

Hey Family,

Happy New Year!!!!! 2012!! Glad to hear that the reception went well
and that you were safe. Haha, I cant believe the story about the
truck. Glad that it worked out though. Did you see anybody from New
Jersey at the reception?

This last week was better in relation with dealing with pressure.
Thanks for your prayers. I am sure that they helped me to try and be
happy and calm. The mission is full of ups and downs. The ups are
SUPER up and the downs are SUPER down. It is interesting how quick
that can change. Right now Im doing pretty good though. Trying to do
my best.

These last 2 weeks were pretty frustrating though because of the
holidays. People traveled, had family activities and it was hard to
find new people. We have some good families, but not many ended up
going to church yet. Lots of patience. But now things will get better.
People will come back from travels and start to work again and will be
able to go to church.

For new years the stake had a dinner on New Year´s Eve. Pres Prieto
gave us permission to go. So we went and ate and talked with the
members and other missionaries in the zone and a member took us home
afterwards. It was good.

It has been interesting to think about how 2011 was and how 2012 will
be. 2011 was a good year. It was a year of growth and learning. My
testimony was strengthen and gospel knowledge increase. I made
friendships that will continue through the eternities. I gained
experience that will help me throughout my life in and out of the
church. 2012 will also be a great year. It is wierd to think that I
will be returning home, but good too. I know that it will be an
adjustment. My life will take a 180 degree turn. But it will be a good
year as well. I'm greatful for the Savior and the oportunity we always
have to start over. Fortunately we dont have to wait for a new year to
change. We change always repent and change. Each week we can take the
sacrament and commit ourselves to do better. I know that I am not
perfect but that I can progress and become perfect through Jesus
Christ.

We taught a lady a couple weeks ago who has a daughter that in
inactive and doesnt live with her anymore. We hadnt focused a lot on
her, but we went back this week and she told us how she had felt
something when she prayed. We helped her understand that it was the
Holy Ghost and that it was an answer from God. She accepted that and
said that she needed to go to church to get to know before committing
to be baptized. She was the only person that went on Sunday! She said
afterwards that she wants to be baptized. We werent able to mark a
date, but tomorrow we will! She needs to stop smoking and so that is
the next step. It truely was a miracle!

I love you all so much! Have a great week and let 2012 be the best year yet!

Elder Hawkley