A Very Merry Christamas

Well! Merry Christmas everyone! For me its been great, talking to my family is one of the things I have looked forward to for about 7 months now, (since mothers day). Being on the mission has really opened my eyes on how great family actually is. They are a great gift we have that oftentimes we take for granted. They are the "real ones", cause they'll always be there for you even if you dont want them to. I love my family and Im super excited to get back to them, but I have 8 months left on my mission to focus on first.

So this past week we had our Christmas conference as a mission, and it was super cool :) we had a bunch of uplifting messages and songs, as well as good food! As everyone whos ever met me they know that I appreciate that most of all . Anyway they showed us a video from this year in the mission and President Nuckols is allowing us to share it, so heres the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aa30BRPV6w

At the conference I got to see a bunch of missionaries from my group, and of course we had to take a picture. We had one with all the Sister missionaries as well but the guy who took those pictures didnt really know what he was doing so they are blurry. But theres me, and elders murray, airmet, crosby, francis, and stoeltzing. Also theres a picture of me and elder Castro!  Its so awesome being here because I am making so many friends in the process of sharing the greatest message the world has ever heard. What a blessing!

Also on Christmas Eve we were invited to a members house to have dinner with them and their family! It was heavenly I must say. REAL MEAT AND POTATOES! Needless to say I was losing my mind. We are going to eat there on New Years Eve as well sooooo Im one happy Elder.

I hope everyone has had a good holiday! The next one Ill be there to share it with y'all.

Until next week!

Elder Larkin

OH AND THAT IS APPLE CIDER BTW DONT FREAK OUT

ALSO funny story:

Here theres a green apple soda that my companion likes alot, and he orders them from the colmado sometimes. SO earlier today he calls them and asks, "pueden mandarme un refresco de manzana verde?" or "can you send me a green apple soda?" And when the kid gets here with JUST 1 SINGLE GREEN APPLE, my comp just looks at him and is like, "are you serious?" But he paid for it anyway, and he never got his soda.

So obviously I had to take a picture of him with his apple.

ENJOY!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Merry early Christmas to everyone! Espero que todos se encuentran bien esta semana!

Here in azua, in the spirit of Christmas, naturally, we went hiking through a river to a waterfall. Yes, it's December 19th, and we were basically playing in a river. That's living on a tropical island for ya! Nevertheless it was very fun and we took some fun pictures.

This week work wise has been a little tough because lots of people here are leaving to go visit family in the capital and what not, so we've been focusing on the members here and less actives to just strengthen the branch. That's always good right? 

Anyways, for those of you who haven't seen the "Light the World" video, here it is.
LIGHTtheWORLD — Follow the example of Jesus Chris…: https://youtu.be/mJmAV0gTp_Q
So many people focus on the temporal side of Christmas,  the gifts and being with family, vacations, etc. And a lot of the times we forget why we actually celebrate Christmas in the first place. CHRIST. This is the time of the year we celebrate his birth, and we remember what he actually did, and does, for US.
He was sent to this world for one purpose. To atone for our sins; or rather, suffer, bleed, ache, and die for each and every one of the sins we make daily. If it weren't for him none of us could even have a chance at living with our heavenly family again. So this holiday weekend, amongst having all the fun stuff that comes with Christmas, remember the important stuff :).

I hope everyone has a wonderful day, and weekend!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Elder Larkin

My Life

So now Im here in Azua, and its not half bad! My companion Elder Torres is from Columbia and hes super cool, although hes a little quiet. We live in a really nice house and every day we get to cross a river going to our area or basically anywhere we go. I didnt bring my camera anywhere this week but next week Ill definitely have pictures. 

One thing about Azua? ITS HOT. very very hot. haha at night I dont sleep even with sheets, just the fan and the other fan I inherited. 

Oh and also my district? ALL HERMANAS. Its me and my comp, then 4 sister missionaries, its kinda fun cause we do alot more activities and whatnot. 

But yeah! This'll be a short email today because Im still getting into the way of life here, getting to know the area, the members, and whatnot, but next weeks email will be longer! 

Heres a picture of my whole life on the side of the street. Yep! Thats what I live with!!

Anyways! I love you all! GET HYPED FOR CHRISTMAS

Elder Larkin

Pueblo Abajo

It's come to an end. My time here in tamayo is over! It's very sad actually. I've grown very attached to the people here and I don't want to leave. I wanted to go to the temple with everyone and see them make covenants and do everything they've been waiting for for a long time. Oh well! It's like this alot of the time for all missionaries at one point or another. I've been called to serve in Azua, a different zone in an area called Pueblo Abajo. All I've heard about Azua is that its the hottest part of the country sooooo that will be fun! Work on my farmers tan a little while walking in the street😂

So now that it's OFFICIALLY December, we can now bring out the Christmas music, those of you who brought it out after Halloween need to repent😂
Since this is the season of family and love and of Christ, I'd just like to share a conversation I had with my wonderful mother. So she's been called as a primary teacher and they had a lesson on the atonement. And she tells me she just asked one question. "Why did Christ die for us?" And the answer they gave was simple, but very sweet. "It's because he loves us"

But yes the message is clear. Christ died because he loves us. I've found myself testifying of him more and more every lesson I teach. That because he loves us and wants the best for us like any older brother would, he put his own life down to lift us up. I love my older brother. And I want to be more like him.

I hope everyone has a great week and a great start to your Christmas holiday! Enjoy the pictures of all the people in my branch/group :)

Elder Larkin