Happy December!!

Dearest family and friends, 

Happy December from Melbourne.  It does not feel like December in the least to me right, but no worries.  Haha.  I am currently wearing a Christmas tie, so I am starting to get in the Christmas Spirit.  We sang a Christmas song in our morning studies, so I am really looking forward to Christmas.  There are starting to be some decorations on the steets.  In the library, there is a Christmas tree.  We will sing as missionaries together at the state library in downtown Melbourne in couple weeks, so I am really looking forward to that.  Mom, I miss singing Christmas songs with you every night.  It seemed like we did that every day, in the weeks after Thanksgiving, every year.  Those are very fond memories of mine.  "O, O Come, Emmanuel" has especially been on mind lately.  As you know, that is one my favorites.  

Thanksgiving sounds like it was a blast.  Did you go to the parade downtown by the way?  I always liked those small, trick cars from Shriners.  We did have a little celebration last Monday with all the city missionaries.  There are about 40 of us.  It was really, really fun.  We went to a park and had a barbecue.  No turkey, but that's alright.  I played rugby for the first time, so that was a definitely a blast.  I can't say I was particularly a natural, but I guess there is always another time.
It was a really good and fun week last week. Many special experiences happened.  The Vietnamese Zone went together to the temple. It was an amazing experience for me where I just follow all anxieties and stresses leave and really just feel complete peace.  I really enjoyed going this past week.
I also gave my first confirmation blessing. That was certainly something I will always remember. Admittedly, I felt a little scared to give a blessing in front of the entire congregation, but as I walked up, I just felt very calm and confident that my mouth would be able to able to utter the words that needed to be spoken to this newly baptized man. I am grateful for the Spirit and the privilege it is for me to hold the priesthood and have the Holy Ghost.  His name is Reza.  He came from Iran about 2 months ago.  Elder LyNguyen found him as we were coming from an appointment.  He came to English class and readily accepted the gospel.  It gave my great joy to see our efforts have such an impact.
I have thought a lot about 2 Corinthians 9:13 these past couple days and have come to a fuller realization of the need to declare the gospel to everyone. It took greater faith on my part, but I was amazed by the greater success I have had in these past couple days, especially with Aussies. I am reminded that the gospel is truly for everyone, I just need to give everyone a chance.
I was reminded of this particularly on Friday.  We were street contacting and saw an Aussie on a bench.  We exchanged greetings and I came to realize how I really did need to talk to him.  He just gave up drugs about a month ago and started to pray and read the Bible again.  I testified of Christ and God's love.  We discusseed how Christ can heal us in our lives.  I felt prompted to share part of D&C 122:7-7 and part of Alma 36 with him.  He has tried to commit suicide serveral times, but every time, his life seems to be preserved for some reason.  I tesified that God must still have something that he needs to do.  He told me probably 10 times that he knew he was supposed to talk with me.  As I shared scriptures, he said he knew he even with a greater surety concerning this, because the scriptures described exactly how he felt.  I am so truly grateful to be a missionary and a represenative for 2 years.  It is so rewarding!!
We will continue to pray and fast for the people we are teaching.  I will do my best to be worthy to truly declare His words unto them (D&C 68:4). Life is good. Have a great week. I love you all so much.

Jonathan