HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Shark Bait Launches into 2019/ Coconut Adventure/ Becoming a True Islander

Dearest Family and Friends!!! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! I just love the feeling of Christmas and the great time it is to reflect on the Savior's birth! As a missionary I feel I really have been able to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas in a special way. This morning I found an amazing scripture in Alma 33:11 This scripture is Alma the Younger's teachings to the Zoramites and he shares the words of Zenos. It talks about how we can always cry unto to Our Father in Heaven. He will help us find great amounts of Joy through His Son even in the midst of affliction. I know this is true! I know that despite any weakness we have, no matter what pain we feel, or the endless amounts of worry which sometime come to our mind; joy may be found in Christ. Healing can be found through the Good Shepherd! We will never be alone as long as come unto Him and partake of the blessings He and Our Father in Heaven want to give to us. I testify the Savior lives! I know He loves me and you. And because He lives we too will live again! We can have the chance to be with our Family for all time and Eternity because of Him. Truly, in all ways, the Savior is the greatest gift given to each one of us.

Can you believe in just a few short hours (Deepening on what Part of the World you are) we will be entering the year 2019?! Where has the time gone? As New Years approaches I have been able to reflect on my missionary service. What a great blessing it has been and continues to be to wear the name of My Savior on my chest and to be his servant here in Vanuatu!

Christmas truly was the best! My favorite part of the Christmas extravaganza here in Vanuatu was being able to speak with my family. LaMont Crew, you bring such joy into my heart! Being able to speak to each one of you made me feel like the most blessed man in all the world. I am so proud of each one of you and what you are doing! I wish I could even come close to explain the feelings of my heart. A million times over, I Love you.

A lot of this week was once again contacting and looking for new people! Although it can be really tiring (especially with some of the Heat Waves which have been hitting us) I find a new wave of energy to testify of the Savior. No doubt these are the angles around us who help us keep going! We took sometime to visit some members who invited us over for meals during the Christmas time. I am amazed by their love! These people do not have much yet they find ways to give in the most loving of ways.

Just today we had an opportunity to help a Mom prepare for a big feast she is having tonight! Right away we went to work scratching coconuts! It was my first time believe it or not! I think I can officially call myself a true Islander/Island Boy now! I have had a hard time with photos today. I promise to get to them to you next week!

I hope you are having a great week and it will finish off amazing! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WHOOHOO! Here we go into 2019!! I love you all so much!

Love,

Elder LaMont/ Shark Bait/ Your Alekken Ty/ A True Island Boy Now!