This sums up my feelings completely. In Cantonese, this phrase literally translates to "holy birth happiness" - their version of "Merry Christmas." I feel so blessed to be where I am today. Although far from home and not celebrating the holidays with my family, I am surrounded by so much love and 2000+ brothers and sisters here at the Missionary Training Center. There is no better place to be at Christmas time as everything we do centers around Jesus Christ, his purpose in coming to earth, his gospel, atonement, and the endless love that he extends to each one of us. Just thinking of his holy birth feels me with joy and happiness!!
My lifestyle here is probably very strange to most of you, but I want you to know that it is by far the most satisfying and rewarding challenge I have ever undertaken. I spend from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm every day studying, eating, drinking, sleeping, and dreaming Cantonese. In the "downtime"...ha!...we sleep, exercise and eat (food). I love spending my time in such a focused manner that everyday I fall into bed physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally exhausted! It's glorious!
The Christmas season here is magnified in every way possible and there is such a feeling of love and joy in the air, you can't help but catch the spirit of the season. I hope you feel the same joy in your own lives wherever you are and know that I pray for all of you everyday....I do a lot of praying these days, as that is the only way to make it through the day around here! I'm amazed as the Lord answers those prayers every day. Merry Merry Christmas!
Love,
Sister Nicole Bird (Bat Ji Muih)
1 day ago
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