Incredible Times!

December 28th, 2015

It was a great Christmas time here in California! I loved this great holiday season here! I loved getting to truly reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas. It was great to hear all that happened back at home!

One thing that really made my Christmas time this year was one of our investigators Juan Bernardo. He is on dialysis due to many years of drinking, which left him right on the verge of death. He is also almost blind. He has almost no strength, which makes it impossible for him to work. He has decided that he is going to do all that he can and got a magnifying glass and a flashlight and holds the book up to his face so that he can read. It was such an act of faith that really helped me to remember how blessed I truly am. One other thing that he does is thanks his Heavenly Father every time that he prays that he is allowed to still be here living with his family of 7. The way he prays really shows his true faith.

As this hoilday went by, I got the chance to think about how great of a blessing life really is. I hope that your christmas was as great as mine! got to go!

Elder Roberts

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 21, 2015

What an incredible time of year! I just love it! I want to thank everyone that has sent me letters or packages, they really have made it a very special Christmas! I have loved being here in this ward and getting to spend my Christmas time here in the service of the Lord. It is really special to say that I am giving all of my time, talents, and effort to Christ for Christmas. I know that the whatever gift I give to Him can never equal what he has given me, but I do know that I can be grateful for all that He has done for me. It truly is such a blessing!

This last week was a funny one. My companion lost the key to his lock, so our bikes got stuck together. We had to take it over to a shop and get it cut off. It was a fun experience! hahah I have come to learn that the best part about having experiences like that are for the stories when I go home. 

Santa Claus came to town here in Madera! I got permission to dress up for the ward party and be Santa! It was so great to get to see the joy on those little kids faces as they looked at me! I truly felt of the holiday spirit in those moments. 

I hope that each one of you gets to enjoy the special hoilday time together! I can't wait to get to talk to the family on Christmas! Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 

Elder Roberts

Merry Early Christmas!!!

December 14, 2015

Christmas is so INCREDIBLE!!! I love it! The only downfall is not being able to be with my family, but there is no better place that i could be! I feel so incredibly blessed to be a missionary this Christmas and be able to serve Christ for the celebration of his birth. I read an article in the ensign that talked about taking a minute and thinking about that special moment when Christ was born. What a humbling and beautiful scene! 

I continue to enjoy the gifts of missionary service with little miracles every day. Whether it is meeting someone that God has prepared or having the spirit teach me a humbling lesson, I have an edifying experience everyday. 

I got attacked by a dog today on my bike, but luckily I was drinking some water, so I poured some water on it and it took off. Don't worry, I didn't get bit, but cool story! 

I want to say thank you to the Staheli family for the package and all those other families that have sent cards and letters. Know that each one truly means a lot! I love you all and hope that you all have an incredible Christmas time with your family!

Elder Roberts

Madera is Awesome!!

December 7, 2015

First off happy birthday to Grandma Graff! Hope that it is a special one for you! 

Awesome things happening with this new transfer! The new area I am in is called Madera (Wood). It is a big spanish ward that has some awesome members. I am super excited to get to work here! My district is also super cool, which is a definite bonus. The only downfall is that I am a biking missionary now. No more nice car. I am happy I got those jackets when I did though! 

I am loving the mission right now! It seems like the days just fly by, especially being in a new area! Thank you to the Jennings family for those letters that you sent, it was awesome! I would invite all of you to go to christmas.mormon.organd check it out. There are some awesome videos on there! 

I have a new companion his name is elder Flores (flowers) he is from Wisconson, but grew up speaking spanish in his house. His mom doesn't speak english. I think this will be my 12th companion now. But anyways, all is good here and loving it! Hope that you all have a great week!

Elder Roberts

Here are some pictures out in the fields