The Busiest Time of Year!

Hey Friends and Family! Merry Christmas!

I feel so overwhelmed with all I have to share from this past week. Ahh! It has been so busy! I know it seems like I say this every week, but it is even more true than ever because it's Christmastime! 

First off, I will share a little with you about my Thanksgiving. So I was thinking I was simply going over to my grandma's sister's home, which was conveniently right across the street from Temple Square, but I was mistaken. We were still sitting at the dinner table when there was a knock at the door. When the door was answered I heard my grandma's and grandpa's voices and honestly, I wasn't too surprised. This was my grandma's sister's home after all. I assumed she found out I would be there. As I was hugging grandma I saw Brooks [brother] and my cousin, Kjersti! Then I was surprised. Brooks and Kjersti, along with grandma, were the ones who dropped me off at the MTC 4 months ago, so it was weird to see them again after I feel like I've changed so much. Soon after that, piano music was put into my hands and thus began the great musical performance--haha, sort of! So it was a really fun Thanksgiving day! I'm so thankful to the Hamilton's for having us over and for their sneaky plan to surprise me. :)

Siblings reunited!!

Grandpa and Grandma Jones, Sister Butler, Brooks Butler, Kjersti Jones (cousin).

So the Christmas lights started last Friday and can I just say WOW. They are so stunning. But my astonishment also comes from the amount of people that show up here! It is CRAZY! So, so crazy. I have never been here during Christmas, but it is really fun to be here as a missionary! During the Christmas season our schedules change. We have specific assignments to either sing for the crowds (my favorite), play the Christus, play short videos, or play God's Plan for the Family. Also, the time we arise and go to bed changes. I usually wake up at 6:45 and go to bed at 10:45, but now Temple Square hours are later, so I wake up at 7:45 and go to bed at 11:45. Does this happen in any other missions? Haha, I don't think so.

Have you seen the new video, A Savior is Born? It's amazing! There is a second video as well that is about what it would be like if there wasn't a savior! They are both so good. Please watch them and think about who the Savior is to you. He knows each of us personally and he has felt everything that we have felt, are presently feeling, or will ever feel. He's taken upon himself our sins so that we might be free from them. I love Him and feel I come to know Him more everyday. I want so badly to be like Him. He is loving, caring, encouraging, happy, confident, wise--everything I want to be. I know he loves us and He understands us. Please look to Him this Christmas season by making more time for your scriptures, or by being considerate of others, or by doing a good deed. Counsel with the Lord and ask what you can do for Him this season. I know you will be happier and more focused on the true meaning of Christmas!

I'm sorry this letter was short, but I don't have much time. This season's P-day ends at 7pm, whereas it lasted until went to bed. So time is really short.

I love you all!

xoxoxo,

Sister Butler

My district this transfer! They are awesome. The smallest Filippina is from Bacolod City!