It's Beginning to Look (and especially Feel) a Lot Like Christmas; Tarjetita Viva de la Navidad; e Com Fome pelo Batismo

 Office Elders enjoying ice cream

 Elder Newman with his mission pop, Elder Anderson

Light the World

Hey my friends! Great to talk with you all once again! This week we weren't able to get a
lot of time to search for new people because of set charlas, ward activities, and a lot of
office work. However, the blessings we've received are undeniable!

Diego not only continues strong, but is getting better and better each time. We talked
with him on Monday about the Temple, Eternal Marriages and Vicarious Work, and as
preparation for that and his baptism, we stressed L3 and the law of chastity. We were not
expecting the surprise that followed: he was already no longer living with his pareja or
having sexual relations and will not do so unless they get married. Like, wow! We learned
how dedicated he was to baptism right there; "sí o sí" he is going to get there. He is
literally HUNGRY for baptism (com fome pelo batismo). We set the new date for the
30/12/2017, and the hermanas from Barrio 3 in the other mission visited him yesterday in
the SMI hospital near the border of their area and Barrio 9, our zone leader's area (he did
chemotherapy this week). They taught about following the prophets, and he was asking
questions about how to follow the prophet and if he could have Thomas S. Monson's words.
Thus, we will be giving him a Liahona, the On The Lord's Errand video, and his 5 minute
talk on the Word of Wisdom (which we're going to be talking about on Sunday). I honestly
don't know what we did to deserve the honor of teaching him; he is among the most
prepared people I have ever known. Blessings for sure!

We had FHE at a member's house with Adriana, Virginia, and another member about
receiving revelation through Prayer, Scriptures, and attending church, and it was
spectacular. Great testimonies and experiences shared and a sweet Spirit the whole time.
We started it off with a blindfold obstacle course and Virginia was stressing so much to get
through.

We also did a Christmas-Christ-themed charla with the Soto Vodanovich family, and I
believe it payed off to focus even more on Christ, because by focusing a lot on the church
and the commandments, Gerardo had seemed pretty hesitant; but in that charla he felt the
Spirit and was smiling the whole time, and Germán decided to be baptized with a good
amount of time. Even Victoria is interested to learn moreabout Christ! We invited them to
participate in the Light the World campaign to get to know Christ, and then we sang Venid,
Adoremos (O Come, All Ye Faithful) for them. Fantastic.

Yesterday we had the Ward Christmas Dinner, and although we had to leave early and
ended up not eating (they started an hour late), there was a great turnout of members and
nonmembers alike! Us Elders, the bishop, and two youth sang Venid, Adoremos and then a
sweet arrangement of Silent Night that left the audience in awe. Right after singing, we left
to get home on time.

With all this, I'm really starting to get into the Christmas spirit. Elder Bazaes and I read
about this cool idea that we are now implementing, called: The Living Christmas Card
(Tarjetita Viva de la Navidad). We knock on the door, and as they open it, we sing the first
verse of a Christmas Carol and then offer to come in and share the story of Christ's birth as
found in Luke 2. Then we bear our testimonies of Christ, leave a blessing on the home, and
set a time to come back. Although we haven't got into a house yet with it, the members love
the idea and are going to accompany us to their references to apply it! SUPER excited!

We are continuing English classes and have split up into the Advanced class and the Basics
class. Elder Christensen and I taught the Advanced, which had in attendance Virginia Añón,
Hna. Martinez (a neighbor), the bishop's daughter, and the sister-in-law of our Elders
Quorum President. They all did really well and we had a full conversation; fun experience!
This week I will be teaching Basics with Elder Bazaes.

Last thing: the zone leaders attended our district meeting this Tuesday, which means, my
mission pop, Elder Anderson and I were together in a district meeting for the first time in
over a year, and the last time ever! So, to commemorate, we obviously took a photo.

I am so grateful for you guys' constant support and prayers; I am positive they are what give
me the strength to do this day after day despite discouragements. I know that we are so
blessed to live in the time we're living right now, despite the challenges, and that Christ is
in control. We need only trust in Him and follow Him, and we will not only make it through
safely, but have great joy in the journey. After all, "men are, that they might have joy." (2
Nephi 2:25)

See y'all next week! ¡Y que continúen iluminar el mundo! (Continue to illuminate the world!)

Con mucho amor,

Elder Newman :)

Mom, that is crazy news! WOW! Tell Mr. Green and Ms. Connell congratulations from me!
Man, I am for sure going to visit with them when I get home! I'm glad you enjoyed that
service project so much. The light of Christmas is truly special. And when we follow the
promptings received from the Spirit, that light shines even brighter, because, after all, the
Spirit of Christmas is the Holy Spirit, for it testifies of Christ. I love you!

BEAR! I heard about your extra gear and elevated game in soccer; way to notch it up a
level!  Haha lots of games for sure! But like I always say, when you're busy, you're happy.
I also heard about how you handled the bloody nose in bball practice. LOVE it! Newman
toughness right there. Love ya!

Callie! Lots of parties for sure! Glad you were able to have fun at Natalie's bday party
and feel the Spirit and be happy at the ward Christmas party. When I think about how
Jesus was born for me so He could save me, I feel happy inside and feel so much love
for Him. Callie, I know that He lives today, and that He loves me and loves you. More than
we can imagine. Best of luck with your tap dance number! You know what they say: last
for best! I love you!

Emmrist! Isn't it just wonderful to serve all kinds of people in all kinds of ways? That rest
home service activity sounds amazing.  And I'm so glad the showcase went so well and
that you killed it in your solo! I would love a video if you can send me one! ¡Te quiero
mucho, y que tengas una feliz Navidad! (I love you so much, and have a happy Christmas!)

Pap! What a debut! Solid victory for sure. Man, I LOVE Sarah's intensity and
competitiveness in bball and soccer! Newman pride right there!  I pray for y'all every night,
and each Saturday, I see those prayers answered over and over again. Happy to see all
going so well. Love you Pops.

Mom’s Questions:

1. Is it beginning to look like Christmas? How do people decorate in Uruguay?

In the office and chapel, yes. But in general, the people are pretty modest when it comes to
Christmas decorations.

2. How is #lighttheworld going this week?

Going good; Elder Bazaes and I are implementing the Living Christmas Card in our contacts
and are searching for references to apply it too. Also going to do a stand in the feria with
singing and materials to gift out.

3. Do you have a favorite Christmas hymn in Spanish?

Venid, Adoremos (O Come, All Ye Faithful)