Gone to San Antone...: December 30th, 2013

Familia!
      It was an incredible week! Being able to celebrate Christmas in the mission field truly is the most amazing experience. The Spirit of Christmas was undeniable and the love of the members helped us as missionaries, feel at home. We went to breakfast on Christmas Eve with our district then dropped off cookies to members and investigators. We headed to the Olvera's for dinner around 3:00. We had the most amazing food. A combination of rice, mashed potatoes, beans, turkey, flan, and banana cream pie. Afterwards they gave us all gifts. It was a dradle. They play it every Christmas. It was fun to be part of their tradition :) We headed to Hermana King's uncle's house to drop off a gift then had another dinner at the Barrio's. They're a cuban family who got baptized about two months ago. They gave us a plate, then when we finished, they gave us another plate, and after that, one more plate of food. I was stuffed. We slept in the living room that night right by our little christmas tree.
      We woke up at 6 am to go play basketball with our zone. Hermana King and I went back home and opened our presents then got ready and headed to the Bishops house for dinner. He is an incredible bishop and is very missionary-oriented. I was able to call ya'll on the way home which was amazing! You all sound happy and well! Thanks for making me laugh haha I miss you all. I'm so glad i'm stuck with you for eternity!
     We have still been working hard in Elgin and Manor. (The two little towns outside of Austin) We have seen so much success and have had many lessons with part member families. Desmond, who is getting baptized this Saturday is one of the part member families that lives out in Elgin. His family pretty much makes up the town of Elgin. We had Alma, (Desmond's aunt) draw us a family tree.. there are over 30 people who are non-members or less actives.. Lots of work to do! Elgin is a tiny little town with 3 gas stations and one grocery store. We walk the streets and members run up to us giving us referrals and hugs, they are thrilled to have the missionaries working there. In church yesterday, Alma and her husband spoke. Alma bore powerful testimony of the importance of missionary work and how grateful she is to have the missionaries in Elgin. She said "It has been 28 years since we've had missionaries in Elgin.. now, the missionaries come out twice a week. I know the Lord loves us. He never forgets us. He is hastening His work in our town." She went on to express how much she loves the Gospel. The spirit was so strong! I found a new sense of desire to go preach the gospel to EVERY one I see. I love this work! I am so thankful to be a missionary. It's the biggest blessing to be a servant of the Lord. I know that the Lord is aware of us. He wants to bless us. We simply need to submit to His will and be obedient.
      I am so thankful for my Savior and for His birth. For His life and His resurrection. I know that we can all live together for eternity. I pray that we can all make resolutions to be better. To go to the temple more often, to not only read-but study-the scriptures daily. I pray that you all will share the Gospel. I know that as we put forth effort, the Lord will bless us ten fold. I love you all! Have a great week and a happy new year!!

Con Amor,
Hermana Egbert

Merry Christmas!! Making a Gingerbread house with Patrick and Ashley Banda