A Missionary Christmas!

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because... This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time thinking bout the temple, my testimony stirred.
I've read November's Ensign, Felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because, this year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion, their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton
For 14 more months we will pray for him, I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face on this computer. I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand, this year; I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter; I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his waiting is done.
My gift has taken years to make, this year... I'm giving Christ my son.

I know there's One who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give, the toll that it is taking.
For He has done it all before Greater love - there could be none.
For years ago God gave to me, His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones Who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, until all the gathering's done,
My gift has taken years to make. This year...I'm giving Christ my son.

Letter from President Hall, 13 Dec 2010

Dear Elder Summers,

Thank you for accepting the assignment to serve as a District Leader. Your principal responsibility will be to train, supervise and inspire the senior and junior companions in your district. Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-46 to understand how the Lord expects His leaders to direct His work.

The key to your success will be to lead by example, especially in your relationship with your companion and the work that is accomplished in your own area. Teach and live Preach My Gospel so that you are an example to those you are responsible for. Should you have any questions, please consult your Zone Leaders or the Assistants to the President.

You will receive ongoing training from your Zone Leaders and from other mission leaders to further aid you in the discharge of your duties.

With Love,

Garth V. Hall
President, Florida Orlando Mission

Letter from President Hall, 13 Dec 2010

Dear Elder Summers,

Thank you for accepting the assignment as a Trainer in the Florida Orlando Mission. A Trainer of new missonaries is one of the most impotant responsibilities in this mission. The most important fctor in the success of a missionary's attitute confidence, courage, obedience, faith, skills and love for this work. As a Trainer you must be the perfect example of:

1. Perfect obedience.
2. Hard work.
3. Faith and prayer.
4. Devoted to Preach My Gospel.
5. A testimony of this work.
6. Respect for the keys of the priesthood.

This is an important resonsibility. You have the ability to do this. Because of its important, the Lord will increase your abilities and capacity to be able to accomplish what you need to do.

Know we Love, trust and respect you,

Garth V. Hall
President, Florida Orlando Mission

Letter #48 Kissimee, Dec 13, 2010

Hey Mom,
The Lord has put a lot on my plate but I know I won't have to go through it alone.....I'm District leader and I'm getting another son!!!! Well it should be good. It's crazy how these last 4 weeks I've grown more than ever and I'm so happy again!!! Oh guess what? Last night we set 3 dates for the 1st yeah!!!! I'm so happy but any way things are good!!!! I saw Bro Rap yesterday... he came by the house and seeing the Hall's was so nice, they have grown so much its great and I'm so grateful I got to play a small role in that it makes me want to work even harder. I'm going to try and finish up my tape but I don't think I'm going to make it before Christmas. I'm going to buy a Christmas tree for a less active poor family but the ward will pay me back so don't stress it k??? I'm like 45 min away from Disneyworld and that is where Elder Myler is. I will get to see Elder Engemann tomorrow and I'm pretty happy about that. Well I should be sending my sd card home so I'm going to wait until you send me one but it's full so maybe in your next letter or package. By the way thanks for the food I'm glad it wasn't junk food. ok well I need to write Pres. Hall so I love you so much and I'm sending the question paper home tomorrow so be looking for that.
Love Ya, Elder Summers

Letter #47 Kissimmee, Dec 6 2010

Mom,
Man I don't know if spent that much but yes I have bought some stuff. I have my card now so I shouldn't be spending to much more money! If I spent that much I'm sorry but I had to buy a blanket and pillow and stuff. I will try not to spend anymore I feel super bad and dumb that I spent that much!!! Well it's Elder Mylers last week..... just when things are getting good!!! We had a baptism on Sat and we have alot of people we are working with. I hope you and Namy are ok and get better soon!!! mmm I haven't gotten any packages yet maybe I will today!! Yes I will try and send back Dad's white pant next Monday. Mom don't waste money on sending me packages.... I would rather you just keep the money and me buy stuff out here Okay!! We have a super busy week this week!!!! I'm happy we are going to go teach a lesson in a hour so that will be way good. We are trying hard to get some people who are ready to progress !!! Hey mom if you are still doing the letter thing on the blog please correct my spelling! LOL Thanks!! Mmm I was about to send my Ipod home cuz they aren't allowed but they might be next year so I'm just going to wait. Anyway I feel really bad about spending that much money and I will try hard to spend more wisely. Hey don't send me any junk food cuz it well just be a waste cuz I won't eat it. So don't worry about sending me that kinda stuff !!! Mmm send a question paper if you want and I'm almost done with a tape and I will try to send it with Dad's pants. Well I love and miss you guys but I'm glad to be back out here. I'm really starting to get back into the swing of things...... love you guys, Elder Summers

Letter #46 Kissimmee, Nov 29, 2010

Hey Mom,
Elder Myler won't be here for Christmas. I still haven't seen Tracy but I know they want to take me out for dinner so we will see. Bro Rap might take us out today.I hope Namy is ok! Well things are way slow right now, we are having a hard time finding people but we are working really hard. Elder Myler isn't trunky but he's just kinda hard for me to work with. I really like him though, he is a super nice guy! President Hall is cool, he is interviewing Dyana on wed for her baptism. Well I'm glad you guys are doing well and I hope Dad has made it to the temple these past weeks! It is still way hot here! Mom I'm going to buy whatever I need or want out here to help me workout ok? I will try not to spend to much money but I'm trying to eat healthy and good and that cost a little more ok? So I'm sorry but anyway Thanksgiving was good we got to play football and we had 3 dinners. This ward is ok, we are going to meet with bishop Kober on wed cause there is a few things or plans that I want to discuss with him. I think they can really make the ward go better. Well this has been a slow week but I'm ready to work hard and make this next week better! Ok I love you guys but I need to write Pres. Hall cuz I didn't have time last week.
Love Ya, Elder Summers

Letter #45 Kissimmee, 26 Nov 2010

Hey Momma,
I'm doing good here. Hope you got my Email. I live on Long and Fairway in Kissimmee. No one notices my black eye so it's better. I'm glad you guys are trying to better yourselves....that's real cool and I'm proud of you. I hope you get to the Temple soon. Have fun in Tucson shopping. So how is basketball going for Cal, I hope good! Have you started any of your projects yet? Well Don't worry I'm taking lots of pics and I have started the tape for you. Send me a question paper and I will fill it out for you. I'm doing good and I don't need anything. The house we live in is OK, it's kind of old but I got a pillow and A blanket finally today so I'm happy! K I'm going to go take a nap and I will write more when I wake up! I LOVE the mission but man it's hard and I'm always ready for bed. Oh by the way I'm working super hard!!!! Well my face is breaking out as you will be able to tell in the pics and it's stinks! Aunt Tye and Mason wrote me so it was good to hear from them. Well I don't think I need anything. I really don't know what else to say other than I LOVE YOU! I'm glad your my mom and I'm grateful for you always being there and always taking care of me. K I LOVE YOU and talk to you on Monday!
Elder Summers