Okay, so Simi Valley. Wow. Simi Valley is sooo different from Santa Paula. I feel like I'm suddenly in a huge city and I get a little scared every time I have to drive above 35 mph! Simi Valley is an awesome area. The members here are so kind and loving. I already feel at home with them. It's amazing to see how quickly they open their hearts to us, and I hope I can open my heart to them just as quickly.
We've already seen lots of miracles here. We had an investigator come to the branch Christmas party with his son, which was awesome. His name is Ramon Quinones and he has such pure desires to learn more about the
We also had a huge miracle with the Quinones family. Their two oldest children have been members for about a year and the parents have been taking lessons during that whole time as well. Right before we got here, they were dropped because they weren't progressing. Well, we were on our way to meet them when we ran into the English Elders (who teach the kids). They were super happy and said they had just come from a lesson with the whole family where the parents said that they wanted to be baptized with their daughter. Um what? Okay. That's awesome. Last night we went back over and had a lesson with the family and they are now committed to be baptized with their daughter on January 24! Miracle.
In John 3:16 it says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son..."
How amazing is that? And not only did God give His Son, His Son willingly came.
"I marvel that He would descend from His throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine..."
I am so amazed about the love that our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ have for us. I can't comprehend the humility of our Savior to come down here from a heavenly home to submit Himself to our Father's will. It's amazing. I loved Elder Christofferson's talk in the Christmas Devotional. Not only did Jesus Christ descend for a divine purpose, so did each of us. And like Mary, we have a divine callings to fulfill throughout our lives. Like Mary, I hope to be able to declare, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour...For He that is mighty hath done to me great things."
I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord. I know that it is a blessing and a great responsibility to wear His name and represent Him daily. He is my Savior. I am grateful for the sacrifices He made, which enable me to make sacrifices of my own. I know He lives.
Sorry this is a little short....but I LOVE YOU ALL! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Hermana Clark