"Silverdale, Silverdale, It's Christmas Time in the mission..."

Hello family,

The title of the e-mail should be sung to the tune "Silver Bells." Even back when I was with Elder Mosbrucker we were singing this because we thought it fit perfect and we were excited for Christmas! Christmas is the best time as a missionary. We get to see holiday lights and trees, pass out easy "He Is the Gift" cards and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Plus everyone seems to be filled with an added measure of goodwill, kindness, gift giving, and the Spirit of Christ. We had dinner last night at the Masons again (Brother Green's daughter's family) and their 7 kids. I love that family so much. After dinner we got to stay and watch the First Presidency Christmas devotional which was awesome, and Sister Mason made gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate :)

Found a bird named Ferdinand

The primary in our ward made Elder Sharp and me a ton of Christmas cards!! It was super sweet, they ranged from green and red scribbles to cards with kind notes. I even got one from Faith, the girl we are teaching, since she goes to primary. She wrote, "Dear Elder Webber, I just wanted to thank you for meeting with me so I could learn more about Heavenly Father. Thank you and Merry Christmas. - Faith" Is that not the cutest thing ever? Faith is doing so good. We taught her the 3rd lesson on Saturday, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She gets it so well and asks perfect questions. She said she read 1 Nephi 1 on her own but didn't understand it ha, ha so we told her to keep trying and she will understand. I think she has the picture BoM which would help.

Also - CHRISTMAS MIRACLE - guess who is back on the radar?? Yvonne! We had texted her again since we felt weird about how things ended, and she had been thinking a TON about all that we had said when we left off and what her ideas are. And she said she would let us come by again.We brought Brother Green and let her just talk about her feelings and ideas, which were very interesting and deep, a lot about science and spirituality. Turns out they all fall in line with LDS doctrine, she explained how she believes in a premortal life and freedom of choice and the opportunity to progress eternally. Wow, it was amazing, she is tentatively back on date for Dec 27th, same day as Faith. "A white Christmas." She wasn't at church because she had to finish a final, but we have another appointment on Tuesday.

Found a waffle iron

Jolene is hanging in there, we taught her about modern prophets this week and gave her a talk from President Monson. She believes it all, but is still aught up on her church. Sister Barrett and Sister Mason offered to go by today to invite her to a Relief Society activity on Thursday which is perfect!

We are also teaching a friend of June's son Isaiah. His name is Kahlil and he lives in the same apartments. June is a great missionary to a lot of her friends, including Kahlil's mom. We started teaching him Saturday night. His mom is very supportive of him taking lessons, coming to church, and even baptism, although she is not interested herself. It was a fun lesson, Kahlil is a great kid who knows very little about God. He's excited to learn! We have an FHE with June's family and Kahlil tonight.

Found Yoda

I have learned so much this week about myself and about the Atonement, which is very difficult to explain in a short amount of time and with words. The most important lessons are experienced, not taught. I learned about the enabling power of the Atonement which allows us to act instead of being acted upon. It enables us to chose to be obedient, to chose to be happy and free. The fact that we can be happy amidst difficult time or situations is evidence of God's love and the Atonement at work. I love my Savior Jesus Christ for what He has done for me. I love this time of year we can celebrate His miraculous birth and matchless life. And I love all of you!

Found a cat

Love from the wonderful WaTac,
Elder Webber

Scirpture: 3 Nephi 9:13-22 (my mission scripture at the end)