December 13, 2010

Buenos días,

I want you all to know that I love you sooooo much. Your lives have blessed mine and I am grateful for each of you.

The weather here is nothing like Iowa, that is for sure. This past week, Elder Han and I wore short sleeve shirts three days in a row! It rains, it doesn't snow, and I think the coldest it has been so far is about 40º F.

This has been an amazing week, a week full of miracles. Elder Han and I are both staying here in Huelva. We are really enjoying our time here and we continue to grow stronger in our determination and testimony. The Lord is helping us in the work we do, and as we have relied more upon Him, we have seen His influence and blessings.

I love this time of the year. Christmas is always special. It's a wonderful time to think of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The First Presidency Christmas Devotional was wonderful. We watched it last night. True, it was a little different for me to see it translated into Spanish, but I still loved it. Daniela, a girl we're teaching, came to it and she said she loved it. It really helped her feel the Spirit.

President Eyring's talk, especially when he referenced the words of Isaiah, were particularly meaningful to me. President Uchtdorf, President Erying, and President Monson all invited us to ponder and reflect on the true spirit and meaning of Christmas - the life and mission of Jesus Christ. His love, His atoning sacrifice for us, is the way in which we find purpose and peace in this life. The Savior said that if we have faith like a mustard seed, we can move mountains. Like so many of the Lord's teachings, this applies to us spiritually. For some, it might be a mountain of guilt from mistakes made in the past, for others it might be a mountain of pain from the actions of others. It might be a mountain of fear, not knowing what the future holds, or a mountain of distractions that call our attention to less important things. Whatever the mountain might be, through faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, it can be moved. This was the purpose for which He came to this world - to provide the way for us to overcome these things, to live in happiness, and be prepared to return Home to our Heavenly Father's presence, with our families in joy that will never end.

I know that the Savior loves you. He knows your name. He anxiously waits to help you, to forgive you, and heal you. Through His atonement, all of us can be made whole. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be serving a mission, sharing this message of hope and peace that comes through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope that His light and love will fill your hearts as you remember Him this Christmas season, and invite others to come unto Him.

Love,
Elder Fagersten