We'll See You in 2 Years, Elders

We had two young missionaries from Belize leave to start their missionary service this week--  Elder Cherrington to serve in the Peru Lima West Mission and Elder Salam to serve in the Panama Panama City Mission.   We were excited to send them off as they start their missions.

 President and Sister Adams with Elder Cherrington          Elder Salam with Elder Magnusson

Have you ever wondered how Mormon missionaries are assigned to the area where they serve?   Elder Rasband explains the process in his April 2010 General Conference talk.  Click here to hear Elder Rasband's explanation.   

This past Thursday we had our Belize Zone Conference.  We were well taught by President Adams and the mission leaders.  As the missionaries sang Christmas hymns, read from the scriptures, and bore their testimonies about the birth of Christ, the Spirit was in abundance.

Sister Flake headed up the luncheon.  We had a lovely meal of chicken cordon bleu, twice baked potatoes, vegetable medley, rolls, layered Christmas jello, and pumpkin crumb cake for dessert.

It was fun to watch the elders gather round the Christmas tree, put their name tags on the branches and then take a picture of their "decorated" Christmas tree. 

The Church continues with it's Christmas #LightTheWorld initiative.  I enjoy reading the suggestions each day on mormon.org.  Day 2 had a scripture and some thoughts that caught my attention:

Matthew 25:35  "I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink."  

People around us are thirsting both physically and spiritually. We can help them receive the life-sustaining water that their bodies need and the living water that their spirits need.

WAYS YOU CAN BLESS OTHERS IN NEED

Service
Did you know that access to clean water has the single greatest impact on global poverty?
Consider donating to a cause that helps provide safe water to individuals or communities.

service
Want to make a difference on a local level?
Donate a case of bottled water to your local shelter.

service
Is there someone you know who is spiritually thirsty?
Share your testimony of Jesus Christ, the “living water” who can give everlasting life (see John 4:10–14).

I like to give out bottles of water on a hot day, which is pretty much everyday here in Belize.  This week I gave some bottled water to our hard working gardeners who maintain our yard.

You can also see the video by clicking here.