MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

WEEK 32- MONDAY DECEMBER 21 2015

The glamorous missionary life..... forgot our umbrellas:(

We walk and walk

The countryside

Korean art makes me smile.

I can't believe it is already Christmas! That came so fast!! I cant wait until I can see you guys!! its going to be the best but probably really sad too:( It's okay we can do this!!! Its only one Holiday right?! ha I'm sorry you all have to speak in Sacrament right after Christmas! But the ward is going to love it! What better family to have up there on the Christmas Sacrament meeting! Wish I could be there!~ Anyways this week was a good week! We don't have a lot of investigators right now and so it's been quite hard on us because we constantly are out trying to tract and proselyte. And because it is sooo cold here right now our bodies are too happy right now. But other than that we are doing great!! This Christmas Season just makes me so happy!! I was reading the December Liahona/Ensign and there was a story that I wanted to share. When I read it, I really felt the spirit testify to me. Its called "A GIFT OF LIFE AND LOVE"

"My Uncle Ed has always has had an infectious love of life. Unfortunately, he also had a deficient pair of kidneys. For several years, Ed had been suffering of Kidney failure. Each treatments were painful and frequent. Each treatment wiped him out until the next one. The doctor finally told Ed that if he didn't get a new kidney soon, his body wouldn't hold out much longer. Although only one kidney is necessary to sustain life, Ed didn't want to ask anyone to donate one of theirs due to the risk that inherently accompanies any surgery. But there was no choice. Several close friends and family members were tested to see if their kidneys were compatible. Only one perfect match was found: Ed's Sister, Dottie- my mother.
On December 7, many of Ed's friends and family joined in fasting and prayer in behalf of him and Dottie. The surgeons who performed the operation were twin brothers. Even more interesting, one of them had donated a kidney to the other. Ed and my mother were impressed to learn that with each surgery, these two doctors did all that they could and then bowed their heads and left the outcome in the Lord's hands.
On the day of the operation, one doctor removed one of my mother's kidneys. As he sewed her back up, his brother carefully secured the donated kidney inside Ed's abdomen.

The surgery was a success, but it remained to be seen if Ed's body would accept the new kidney. The antibodies in his immune system were suppressed to improve his chances, so Ed had to be isolated in intensive care to protect him from viruses. Even after he was released, he had to remain isolated from everyone except his immediate family. On Christmas Eve, however, Ed received special permission to attend my grandparents' annual Christmas Eve party.
Wearing a face mask, Ed walked in the door, headed straight for Dottie, and enveloped her in a tremendous hug. As they embraced each other, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Everyone could feel the love emanating from them. A sister had suffered in order to give her brother the gift of life. It was a gift of love, a gift of sacrifice, a gift he couldn't provide for himself.
As I watched them, with tears streaming down my face, it dawned on me: this could be what it will be like to meet the Savior face to face. He did something for us that we are unable to do for ourselves. Only He, being divine, was able to endure a sacrifice so great that the law of justice would be satisfied. And only He, being perfect, was worthy to atone for the sins of all mankind so that the law of mercy could be extended to all who accept Him as their Savior.
As I savored these insights, I recommitted myself to do all I could to show my appreciation for the Savior and His sacrifice. I would strive to live my life as a disciple so that someday I might be worthy to enter His presence, embrace Him, and personally thank Him for loving me enough to make such a sacrifice."

As I read this story it really made me think of the true meaning of Christmas and what I would be like to personally meet our Savior. I love this gospel and all that it promises us if we stay faithful! I hope we too follow this authors experience and to recommit ourselves to do all we can to show our appreciation for our Savior and His Sacrifice. To always strive to live like Him. I love you all and CANT WAIT TO SKYPE!!! I hope you all have an amazing Christ Centered Christmas and remember that you have lots of love over here in Korea!!
xoxox

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

사랑해요!!!
Love,
Sister Tanner