Sister J, OK : Happy New Year!

Well this past week was a good one! We started off the week with caroling! Monday evening all the missionaries in Lawton got together and we went caroling to different members/investigators in our areas. Sister Cox played the violin and the rest of us sang! It was wonderful!

On Tuesday Sister Sorensen and I made cookies! We did 3 batches and then went and caroled some more and dropped off cookies! And wednesday we had dinner at the Malcoms! And she was so sweet and made all of our favorite desserets from back home! She made pumpkins cookies for me! She is wonderful!

Christmas Eve was a wonderful day as well! It was such a warm day! Sister Sorensen and I did some biking that day and we ended up taking off our cardigans cause it was so warm! It was crazy! And definitely didn't feel like December 24th! That evening we spent with the Hutsons and Womacks. At the Hutsons we decorated Gingerbread cookies and then played spoons and manners. It was a lot of fun! I was so happy to be able to decorate some cookies :) At the Womacks we played some more games as well, and had a big dinner! so much food! and desserets! While we were there we got a text message and voice mail from 'Santa.' He said,
"Merry Christmas Sisters!!! This is Santa Claus... I left a couple of small packages on your front porch so be sure to check when your home!" When we got back we found some presents on our door. Someone gave us some soup, hot chocolate and a hot chocolate maker. It was so kind of them! That night we also did illumanarious. One of the Elders does them every year with his family on Christmas Eve so Santa knows where to come! haha it was fun! And then Sister Sorensen and I ended the night sleeping out in the front room! It was a great day!

Christmas morning started early! All the missionaries gathered together at the church and we exchanged presents. We did Secret Santa. 'Santa Moore' had me and I had Elder Haws. We all had hot chocolate and played some basketball. We then had breakfast with the Sandifords! And then went to the Hopkins and skyped home! And then ended the day with the Saufoi family! It was a wonderful Christmas. This is such a great time of year to reflect on the Savior of the World! and how He is the light to all of us! I hope we all can take some time to really think about the the Savior and everything he does for us. What a wonderful time of year!

The end of my week was filled with rain and snow! Lawton finally decided to get cold! Saturday it rained and rained and rained! Sister Sorensen and I got soaked! and then Sunday it all turned to ice! And the power flickered on and off in the morning. They ended up canceling church which was super weird. Later that evening at dinner, we ate with the Brisolaras! Who is a family of 12 kids! They had almost all their kids home as well! It was a such a fun time! But the power kept going on and off while we were there! Its getting pretty cold! That evening our power turned off! About half of Lawton didn't have power. This morning it was still off! Sister Sorensen and I woke up this morning and it was 54 in our house! brrr... Shortly after we woke up we went to the other Sister missionaries in Lawton's house. They have power! So we have been with them most of the morning! Always an adventure here in Lawton :) Things are going well! We are all bundled up and still pushing forward. The work of Salvation never stops! Rain or shine!

Thank you all for helping make my Christmas so great! I felt so loved this Christmas season. I appreciate all the cards, prayers, and support! I hope every one had a wonderful day! And also wish everyone a happy new year! With 2016 rolling right in, its a great time to reflect on where we are at and where we want to be. With Christ all things are possible.

Faith in Jesus Christ gives us strength to leave the past behind and look ahead to a brighter future.

All my love,

Sister Jackson