97 thousand people, 1 purpose, and a never ending holiday

I survived Festival of Lights! I'm going to go ahead and add that to my list of major life accomplishments. We had over 97-thousand people come into the Visitors' Center during festival... people from all over the world! Brazil, India, Nicaragua, China, El Salvador, Utah (hey, hometown!), Alaska, California, Texas, and even the Saudi Arabian prince! Different cultures, different religions, 97-thousand different people all coming together for one purpose... to celebrate Christmas. As my companion and I talked with people from all over the world, we were able to help them remember what Christmas is all about. We boldly and sweetly testified of Jesus Christ, and shared with others how much He means to us. Whether they realized it or not, everyone left the Visitors' Center with much more more than they expected to find. An increased knowledge of The Church of Jesus Christ, a deeper love for the Savior, a greater understanding of what makes a temple so special, and even increased feelings of love for their families. I think I gained just as much as they did, if not more. My love for The Savior has grown so much these past couple of months, as I have had the opportunity to daily bear testimony of Him. I know that He lives and that He knows me personally. I know that all the difficulties I'm going through as a new missionary are difficulties He has experienced already. I know He wants to help me if I but humbly ask.

The trees are coming down and the lights are turning off, but Christmas never really ends. The true meaning of Christmas is one that should be celebrated all year long. I invite you to do just that, to live with the spirit of Christmas daily. Why would anyone want to live a day without remembering Jesus Christ?

Humbled by Christmas

Oh hey, I'm still alive...barely. Sister Rowley needs 40 more hours of sleep and 50 more hours of study time, so if anyone knows how to generate that, late Christmas gifts are definitely appreciated. Festival of Lights is keeping me busier than every finals week I've ever experienced added together, but this is better than taking finals, waaaay better.

Christmas was different for me this year. I'm away from home and my family, there was no snow in sight, and I really learned the importance of giving. Here comes that awkward moment when I admit that I'm kind of a selfish person and it's something I struggle with every day as a missionary, even Christmas day. This year, I learned a lot about humility and the beauty of giving. I don't have much time to write about the wonderful things I received over the past few days, but know this... in those gifts and acts of service I discovered the true meaning of Christmas. There are some amazing people here in DC, I am indeed a very blessed missionary. MERRY (day after) CHRISTMAS!

A simple testimony

The missionary life is a busy life, especially during the month of December. Festival of Lights has started! Pretty lights, free concerts, and all things Christmas! I expect every single person reading this to be singing, "it's the most wonderful time of the year" right now, because it really is exactly as that song says, the most wonderful time of the year. After a 6 hour shift at the Visitors' Center my feet might hurt, my hair may look like a mess, and my whole body might be begging for my bed (told you it was the most wonderful time of the year), but it's all worth it because I get to help people remember the true meaning of Christmas! Put all the presents, trees, and goodies aside... Christmas is all about remembering and serving our Savior, Jesus Christ.

My testimony is often a simple and straightforward one, but I think it's meant to be that way. The love Christ has for each of us is anything but complicated, and the love I have for him is equally simple. I know that Jesus Chris died for me personally, and for each and every one of us. I know that He never leaves us to handle trials alone, that as long as we reach out to him, He will help us. I'm grateful to have the knowledge that I do, and I am especially grateful for the opportunity I have to share it with others. I'm convinced that I'm about to experience the greatest Christmas of my life... I am after all, in the greatest mission in all the world.