I never know what to write here.

 12-26

Well, 

I went to zone conference but surprise! Its actually a Christmas party. So, instead of trying to stay awake while President Smith and the APs Preach Doctrine to us, I had to sit uncomfortably with other missionaries while we played games and talked and made gingerbread house things.

I much prefer normal zone conferences.

But! I was able to see Elder Taufer, my companion for the MTC days. Normally we go to a different zone conference BUT we went to that one because the next day I had a Dr. Appt for my scaphoid.

At the appt Dr. Margaret Cook told me I didn't have to wear the brace anymore- well- that's what I heard. Really she said I could start weaning myself out of it. So I haven't worn it once since. I still have to take vitamin D³ but whatever.

It hurts sometimes which is concerning I guess but I'm sure it's fine.

If you ever break your hands wrists or feet or something and your in Pleasanton I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Margaret Eileen Cook. She was great to be with and made sure I understood what was going on and was genuinely Interested what I said. If I broke my wrist again I'd go to her. 

Then we did missionary work all day for the rest of the week. 

On Christmas day our deaf branch was combined with the hearing ward. So we were interpreting english→ asl the whole time. I helped with one song and I did the closing prayer almost completely on my own. It was really hard but I was told by some very honest people that I did a good job, and also the things I messed up on. Good thing I love getting constructive criticism….sometimes….

It's ok, it's ok, it's ok, I'll get there eventually.

On Christmas night we had dinner with the Branch President of the ASL branch and his family. He's deaf. So they all sign. Alot. It was kinda scary to see a 5 year old signing that good. These kids can teach me more sign than my comps can. They all speak perfect English of course amd guess what- they also know Spanish. So dinner was wonderful and then President Peterson asked us to sing for him. 

Which is interesting because he's deaf.

But it's actually a fun game. You sit right next to him and get your mouth as close to his ear and then they blast the music and you sing as loud as you can and then he pays attention to the vibrations and stuff and then guesses the song.

It was actually kinda cool.

That's the first time I've ever performed a solo like that. Like- I've never sang on my own in front of other people. 

I went twice and he was able to guess both times. So pretty cool.

And now it's pday. I'm writing my email while everybody else plays volleyball and I can't do volleyball because Dr. Margaret Eileen Cook said to avoid impacts and stay out of sports for at least a month.

So that kinda sucks but I'm OK with it.

Well, that's everything worth sharing.

Soooo please pray for me to learn ASL or not- I'll still learn either way but I know it will go faster and smoother if there's at least a few people praying for me. 

I love you guys! Merry Christmas! 

If you didn't take Elder Rasbands council to renew your commitment to read the Book of Mormon every day back in October or you did and the habit has already died---then This Day I invite you This Day to re-watch his talk and make a new years resolution based on what the spirit teaches you. Whether that's reading it daily or giving one away or helping somebody else renew their commitment to read the book of Mormon every day or whatever it looks like- do it!

Love you all