Hello loved ones near and far!

This is my last call for addresses for Christmas Cards(: they’re going out next week! <3 CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE Y’ALL!!! I’m so excited! I love Christmas, especially as a missionary(: I’m excited to see how Aussie spend their Christmases!

Well.. in other news, as my beloved would say ‘this has been an off-week’…. heaps of crazy not-so-good things have happened this week which resulted in us losing 2 of our investigators.. not sure where they are right now but praying that they are safe.. #theatonementisreal

But on the bright side! It was Thanksgiving this week!!!! We went to the Boogaards for dinner along with the Elders and a less-active and his girlfriend.. and we all had a blast(: I made my mum’s famous sweet potato bake, and my dad’s famous molasses cookies (of course they’re shaped like pineapples! Is that even a question?? lol) and then a recipe of my own for a coconut/pumpkin pie haha all were a pretty big hit haha Sister Boogaard and I were talking this week about how we think food is our love language that we give haha that’s DEFINITELY been evident on my mission… someone has a birthday: “oh goodness, what kind of cake should I bake??”, someone is celebrating a month mark: “yes! let’s make cookies”, we forget an appointment: “an ‘I’m sorry’ apple crumble?”, need to get an appointment with someone: “hey, we’ll even cook you dinner!”… works every time So thanksgiving was fun on my end of world, how was yours??

Also, Elder Agreda and I will be singing “The Prayer” for a Christmas party next week and so we got to practice at Zone Training Meeting on Friday! It was an awesome and super fun performance! We had a super interesting training too.. from a member on the Gold Coast.. still trying to process all that was taught haha this guy apparently averaged about 7 baptisms A MONTH on his mission in London back in the 80s… it was inspiring yet intimidating.. haha hopefully these next 2 months will heed similar success x)

Last but not least, Dartanian got baptized!! (psst.. two gold stars to whoever can identify where his name comes from! Dad you should know this! and no google allowed!) It was so sweet, I got the privilege to speak on the power of the Holy Ghost as compared to the Book of Mormon instrument: The Liahona. And then Dartanian and I got to sing a sweet duet of “Teach Me To Walk In The Light” it was a good heart mender to the heartbreak the day before(:

That about covers it! Please keep Rowan and Angie in your prayers and as always #prayforBathurst haha

Love always,
Sister Swan
Australia Sydney South Mission