6 meses!

Date: December 18, 2012 

Area: Santiago, Chile

​Hola Familia,

So this week was a bit of a roller coaster, really strange actually. Monday night after working at about 11 President Essig calls us and says that we were going to have changes. I was really surprised. But there was another companionship in the mission that needed changes and so he had to change somebody else and Elder Garza and I were the lucky chosen ones. I was a bit bummed because we got along really well and he worked hard and everything but I guess thats all just part of the mission. My new companion is from Honduras and is named Elder Flores.

Dad asked a few questions so here are the answers. Things are going well down here, we are kind of struggling to find some good solid investigators but its ok, we haven`t lost faith. The sun burns hot here cause there really is no ozone haha, and I am finally learning and most days I have been putting on a bit of sunblock... the sun here still just turns me red though. I don`t get tan. I am ready for Christmas. This month has FLOWN by, I don`t know where it went. But I love Christmas, its my favorite time of the year. The people here still go crazy for christmas but not so much like in the states. But its still pretty comercial full of money spending and the hustle and bustle... oh well. Its better to just slow down a little bit. I`ve been studying, don`t worry=) And I don`t think I`ll ever get to the point of sounding native, I sound pretty gringo=) oh well.

Lindy also asked a few questions. My chilean friend is just crazy. Everything that he does haha. Hes actually a lot like my friend Ryan from BYU, we just kind of go crazy together. They didnt take my voice recorder, menos mal, even though it was sitting in the drawer right next to my camera. I count it as a blessing and a testament that the robbers were REALLY dumb. For Christmas, we have the 24th to relax which will be fun. We are going to spend the night at the Lopez house. That is where we are going to skype from too, they are really cool. We are going to eat Christmas dinner with them which should be fun.

But this week was really a pretty good week. Yesterday we had our activity in the mission home for Christmas which was fun but it will probably be the last time that we go back there because in like 2 weeks President has to leave for his new house.

It was kind of interesting, yesterday after the activity President and Sister Essig came to our house and President had an interview with my companion. While they were in the interview I was just talking with Sister Essig which was fun. She and President are such great people, its cool to have them as examples for us. I hope to one day marry someone that is strong in the gospel like Sister Essig, it makes such a great difference in the marriage.

But I really enjoyed the activity in the mission home. It was lots of fun and I really felt the spirit there while President Essig shared some thoughts about Christ and while all the missionaries sang christmas Carols. I gained more respect and love for the Plan of Salvation and for the sacrifice that Jesus made for each of us. It is incredible to think that before the world was, in the councils in Heaven, He knew what he was signing up for and what he would have to face if he came to the earth as our Savior. He knew the pains and trials he would face and the unbearable sacrifice that he would endure and in spite of it all he still chose to come to this earth and to save us. I am so grateful for that sacrifice that he made and for all the blessings that it has brought to my life, for the peace and the happiness that I have gained through Him.

May we all remember Him during this holiday season and extend a helping hand to those in need as He would.

Les amo muchisimo y vamos a hablar en una semana!!! I`ll call you at like 4 my time (I think thats like 1 your time?...) Love ya,

Elder Jaromy Holland

P.S. Cutler! Way to go as SENATOR!! You`ll do GREAT!

PPS: Spencer! 2 weeks til you can send in your PAPERS!!!! WAHOOOO!!!