The World Opens Up to God at Christmas

Well this has been an awesome way to start the Christmas season!
Ashley had an awesome baptism on Saturday and that was super cool! She
is an awesome woman that has simply been looking for where she needs
to be in her life and God has definitely been preparing her to accept
the gospel. It's interesting to see how even small details, small
experiences in people's lives can prepare them and lead them the way
that God needs them to go.
We were also able to go see Joseph when he got baptized. That guy has
come such a long way, and he doing so good now. Seeing the changes
that come into people's lives because of the gospel is one of the best
things about serving a mission.
Probably the next best thing is being a missionary during the
Christmas season. It seems like the world opens up to God a little
bit, even though we do tend to get caught up in the not-so-important
things about Christmas. But because there is an overall shift towards
God, it is so great to be able to simply testify of God and Jesus
Christ practically allllll the time. Cause people that would normally
want to talk about other stuff seem to be a little more willing to
share those things at this time of year.
I hope everyone is getting excited about Christmas, and don't forget
to remember why we really celebrate. Remembering the birth and life of
our Savior Jesus Christ is the most important part of the season. I
know He lives. I know He offered Himself for us so that we can improve
our lives and overcome the obstacles that come up in our lives. I know
He loves every single one of us. May we all remember to have a MERRY
CHRISTMAS!
Take care and God bless,
Elder Hiatt

Spreading Light

So this week was a pretty eventful week. Joseph is doing awesome and moving towards his baptism this week. On the down side, he is moving today so he is gonna have to be baptized in a different ward, that is outside our mission. So that's a bummer, mainly just because we have been able to see such a huge change in him over the past few weeks. It's been awesome to see the growth that has come into his life just by simply adding Christ and living in a way that reflects that. Sara is also doing really well. She is planning on getting baptized soon as well and she is doing awesome. She and her parents live in the area and her parents have 6 horses and several acres of land. Her step dad is needing hip replacements so he can't do a ton of the work around the house so on Saturday we were able to go over there and spend about 4 hours helping them with a lot of the work around the house. It was pretty nice to get out and sweat a little bit. It's crazy what service can do to simply lift your spirits when you are helping those that need it.

Sunday night we had a fireside at ASU. It was so awesome. The main speaker was a lady named Josie Thompson, the creator of the 444 project. She was talking a lot about how she has been able to overcome the darkness that is constantly a part of her life, largely from her bipolar syndrome, which for her is pretty much a constant manic low. She shared some very personal experiences of the times that that darkness surrounding her has been chased away by the feeling of love and peace that she received from turning to Jesus Christ. She still battles with those conditions every day, but has made it her mission to spread light to those in darkness, to help all people to have some glimmer of hope. And that is where the 444 project came from. So if you have a chance, check it out, it can make a huge difference hearing the message of hope that she shares. 

Things are awesome in AZ. 70* days are just about perfect. Anyways, hope all is well back home! Take care and God bless!

Elder Hiatt