I honestly cannot accurately describe how happy I am at this exact moment.
If I EVER complain about a mission being hard, please slap me... Hard.
I absolutely love Christmas in the Philippines!! This week was one that I will never forget. It was crazy busy, but Heavenly Father is so good :)
Before I start telling you all about it...... A quick congratulations are in order:
DANNY AND SHELLY! Congrats on the little girly poo :) (Due in May!!) I can't wait to play with her and teach her exactly how to get on her older sister's nerves!
Okay, so let's start with Thursday! We had our Christmas Conference in Lahug. It was such a great experience. After a morning full of spiritually uplifting workshops all centered 100% on Jesus Christ, our talent show went so well!
Elder Consigna and I did our best to at least match our shirts :) Our custom designed pajamas are not yet finished, so - sadly - we couldn't debut those bad boys last week.
Saturday was so awesome!
We had lunch at a member's house and I have honestly never been so full in my life. I thought I was going to die sa kabusog right then and there.
After we ate, he gave us something that I've never eaten before. It is one of my new favorites. It's called kalamay and the best possible way I can describe it is by referring us all to the scene in Gene Wilder's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when the kids run into the huge room and start breaking open the plants, balls, rocks, etc. to find delicious, gooey deliciousness inside. All the while, hearing the beautiful, "Come with me, and you'll be, in a worldddd of pure imagination!!" (Please don't ask why I can describe this scene with such accuracy ;) ...)
Needles to say, we have another appointment set up with Brother Sasaban for Christmas Day :)
Later Saturday night, we had our Ward Christmas Party. It was so fun!
There were lots of presentations and games! We had a blast! We were asked to put on a "missionary presentation" as well so... We had the other missionaries in Carcar sing "12 Days of Christmas" and Elder Consigna and I acted out each one every time.
The next day at church so many primary children ran up to me and yelled, "KUCKAWW" and flapped their arms like a bird (That was the partridge in a pear tree)...
Saturday was a success and a half as well because John Ross and Jholiver got interviewed for their baptism and they are all set to be baptized... wait for it.... CHRISTMAS DAY!!! Yup, see you all at 4pm here in Carcar on Christmas :) I am stoked. Tatay Villaser (their grandpa) will be baptizing them!!
Last night, the Tan Family (from San Nicolas.. My last area) came down just to take us out to dinner. They. Are. So. Nice. It took them over 3 hours to get here because of traffic! They took me, Elder Consigna, and Elder Archibald out to dinner and then just drove right back! They even left presents... I'm not able to accurately describe how excited I was to see the shirt that they had made for me. I love it. "Elder Jacobs <3 Cebu" :)) They are way too nice to me. I honestly felt like I was home for Christmas last night because of them. Thank you, Tan Family!!! :)
Also! Elder Consigna's "friend" sent him a package last week and I got a stocking with my name on it as well! It is ready to be stuffed with all those presents that you sent, mom! You can bet I'll be up a 4am like usual to open stockings ;)
Later tonight, we got invited to a member's family home evening "Christmas-Eve Edition" ... It should be super fun!
Tomorrow, after Skyping with my family, before the baptism, I really want to see if the hospital here in Carcar will let us come in and Christmas Carol for at least a little bit.
Not very different than an earthly father and his child. Growing up, as children, our parents promise us that they know what is best for us. They have experience and knowledge that we do not have. They ask us to do what they ask because they want us to be safe, happy and successful. Because we love and respect them, we do as we are told.
As we are all focused on Christmas, I hope we can all ponder how it is that we can make this "Christmas feeling" we all love, last a little bit longer in our hearts.
As we are all reading the birth of Jesus Christ in Luke Chapter 2, let us remember what it means for each and every one of us individually.
Many times, we get so caught up in the "Baby Jesus" that we forget what is so miraculous about Him. Let us remember that it is the same Jesus Christ that was born in a manger among the animals, that created worlds without end.
This is the same Jesus Christ that, before coming to Earth, stood on the right hand of the Father as the details of the Great Plan of Redemption were set forth. This is Jesus Christ - who suffered all for us that we might have the chance to return to Heavenly Father's presence. Giving his life and taking it once more, never again to experience pain or sickness.
I love Jesus Christ. We have much to learn of Him. He came into the world in the lowest possible station in life, but he set the example for us and overcame all.
I know that we can do the same. Let us remember him and start today on our journey to be just like him.
I love all of you and want you all to feel how I feel now. This happiness is only made possible through our dedicated obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He loves us and is calling after each and every one of us. Especially during this Christmas season :) Merry Christmas and I love you!!
As we are all reading the birth of Jesus Christ in Luke Chapter 2, let us remember what it means for each and every one of us individually.
Many times, we get so caught up in the "Baby Jesus" that we forget what is so miraculous about Him. Let us remember that it is the same Jesus Christ that was born in a manger among the animals, that created worlds without end.
This is the same Jesus Christ that, before coming to Earth, stood on the right hand of the Father as the details of the Great Plan of Redemption were set forth. This is Jesus Christ - who suffered all for us that we might have the chance to return to Heavenly Father's presence. Giving his life and taking it once more, never again to experience pain or sickness.
I love Jesus Christ. We have much to learn of Him. He came into the world in the lowest possible station in life, but he set the example for us and overcame all.
I know that we can do the same. Let us remember him and start today on our journey to be just like him.
I love all of you and want you all to feel how I feel now. This happiness is only made possible through our dedicated obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He loves us and is calling after each and every one of us. Especially during this Christmas season :) Merry Christmas and I love you!!
Love,
Elder James Ryan Jacobs
P.S. Smiling IS my favorite :)
