MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 Merry Christmas everybody!!

I apologize for not writing in two weeks, but because of Christmas we
didn't have a p-day last week and I didn't have anytime to really
email on Christmas. But these past two weeks have been INCREDIBLE so I apologize in advance for the length of this email.

So we had three choir performances and they were great. The first was
at a care home and oh. My. Days. It was amazing!! The residents were
all singing and clapping and SO happy! The workers all had tears in
their eyes and the spirit was so strong. I was able to talk to a few
of the residents and they told me about life before the war and how
much they loved music etc...it was truly an incredible experience.
Then we performed in Wembley for their ward party. It was great! The
primary also did a nativity and it was sooooo cute. Then on Sunday, we
went and performed in Ilford for their ward! Seriously, I've sung
these songs so much over the past few transfers, but they still made
me so emotional. Especially as we sang Oh Holy Night, and the line
that says "He knows your need, to our weakness, is no stranger. Behold
your King, before Him lowly bend." I'm pretty sure that there wasn't a
dry eye, because you could tangibly feel the Spirit testifying of the
truth. Being in this missionary choir was amazing, and helped me feel
of the true meaning of Christmas. It's all because of Jesus Christ.
THAT is why we celebrate, and THAT is what makes Christmas special.
Christ is our Saviour and He came here for us, as a little child, so
that we could return to our Father in Heaven.

And as part of the choir, we flash mobbed in the tube!! Haha we all
got on, spread out, and started to sing. It was so much fun. :)

We had a Christmas zone conference!! It was so great. The first half
was super spiritual, and we wrote letters to ourselves that we will
open again on Easter. President Stevens also sang "Shine for me Again,
Star of Bethlehem" and it was just SO GREAT!! Then the last half was
fun and games and a white elephant. :)

We also had an exchange and I was with Sister Epicoco again. :) We
went finding and talked to this man who was a bit skeptical, but he
agreed to meet again and gave us his number! So we will see what
happens. :) Then we had dinner with Rose and Michael and talked about
how we can share the Gospel with others. Ah they are just some of my
FAVOURITE people. :)

We've had two lessons with Leah, our 10 year old investigator. Her and
her mum and little sister are THE BEST. Her mum is recently returning
to activity in the church and I just love being with them. We taught
about The Restoration and The Plan of Salvation. Leah also gave us
this great analogy about how scriptures help us through the dead ends
of life. She's 10. Haha she's amazing!! There is a great spirit in
their home and I'm excited to keep seeing them. Leah also wants to be
baptised on February 20th and even added it into my calendar. Then her
3 year old sister wanted to as well and added it for March 2020. 😂

In the VC, we have had the live nativity going on and it was AMAZING.
I had the privilege to be Mary 3 times. We used same clothes that they
used in the Bible videos, and the feeling was incredible. And then we
sat in our little manger on Exhibition road, holding the Christ child
and the Spirit was almost overwhelming. And seeing people's reactions
was so neat. Some woulld laugh in surprise because they weren't
expecting real people. Some would continuously say thank you. Some
even cried, they were so touched! It was an amazing thing to be part
of, and really helped me feel the true spirit of Christmas.

We got a media referral for someone who wanted a Book of Mormon, and
the address was for The Royal Opera House so THAT was cool! Haha turns
out she is a dancer, and when we stopped by she was getting ready for
a performance, so we couldn't meet her. But we left it there with our
number! :)

Christmas Eve was WONDERFUL!! The VC staff went to the Cardalls and
had a party! We had a White Elephant gift exchange, and watched a
slide show from the past year. It's CRAZY to think that all of 2015,
has been spent here! But I wouldn't be any where else. Then Elder
Cardall read Luke 2, and the Spirit was so strong. It meant a lot more
to me this year, because of the opportunity I had to be in the live
nativity. It was just one of the most memorable nights of my entire
life.

Sister D and I spent the night in the Britannia sisters flat because
there is no transportation on Christmas. Then on Christmas morning we
went to the Hyde Park Chapel and had breakfast win the senior couples
and other missionaries who lived within walking distance. Then we
played the FUNNEST game of volleyball, and eventually people started
doing backflips and playing signs and we just had fun until all of our
rides came. Elder Seeley, Elder Allen, Sister Dabrowska, and I spent
Christmas at our ward mission leaders house! It was SO much fun. His
mum made he best food, EVER. And Kemi, our recent convert, came too.
We watched Home (we were allowed one Disney movie :)) and ate until we
could burst. Then, of course, we got to Skype home and that was
fantastic!!! :):)

Really, I've just loved every bit of this Christmas season. I've been amazed at the love and generosity of the people around us. I have
honestly felt so at home and at peace this Christmas. There aren't
words adequate to describe how I feel, but this is a Christmas I will
never forget. May we all continue to remember our Saviour and His
everlasting sacrifice. I'm grateful that He came for us, and that He
died for us. I know He lives and loves us all on a very personal
level. :)

Thank you all for everything! Have a happy new year!!

Xx Sister Moody

And a few more pictures for you to enjoy!