Elder Scott Learning, Living and Sharing the Gospel in Perú: Ilumina de Mundo

For the past 2 years our church has launched a campaign during the month of December known as, "Light The World" where over the course of 25 days you're given 25 ways you can choose to serve others, and in so doing illuminate the real reason for the season. Today's #LightTheWorld initiative comes from Matthew 22:39, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
(Here's a link for a short video about day 4 of Light the World)

Today also happens to be Elder Scott's preparation day and he was able to send home a beautiful journal entry about this very topic which states, "I'm sending you a spiritual thought on Mateo 22:39 which is going to be the Ilumina de Mundo topic for today, "Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo." I have always loved this scripture. "Love thy neighbor." Elder Uchtdorf gave an amazing talk tonight on the topic of doctrine love.
(You can find a link to the First Presidency Christmas devotional at lds.org).

In his talk he had some amazing and inspiring points. I have always said that I love this time of year for all of the energy and special feeling that's in the air. It truly is special and magical. It's because it creates a feeling of pure love and care. Love is such a special thing. When we truly strive to love, it creates a unique environment of unity, peace, and care. That's why this time of year naturally feels different, it's from all of the love. This love is key. It encourages us to serve and help. To lend a smile to someone random. To help out a friend. To donate to help the needy. There's a list of literally a million different things that we can do all focused on love. When we have increased love in our lives, Heavenly Father will bless us even more. He will give us more opportunity to further our love as well. May this Christmas season be filled with this unique and wonderful love. When it is, memories will be made that will last a lifetime."

Our whole family looks forward to this time of year, and we especially enjoy the reminders we receive about giving of ourselves and serving those in need. We have witnessed how it blesses our lives when we live by the adage of, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 and during this special and sacred time of year, opportunities to give of oneself will certainly be prevalent. We hope all who read this grow closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ, this Christmas season as you find ways to #LightTheWorld and illuminate the world around them.

Pictures from the past 2 weeks

The missionaries decided to HIKE to Cerro de la Paz. Elder Scott said this was way harder than the trip they took a couple weeks back when they drove up in a van, but was a super cool way to spend their preparation day as a zone.