Dear Family,

I am feeling a lot better. I am back to normal with my stomach. Yesterday, we had dinner and a lesson with our investigator Ken Johnson (he is the one who lived in Utah for years). He fed us Lasagna and I really enjoyed the food without any bad side effects. It is really cool because he gave me a couple of t-shirts to remind me of home. He had one SUU ROTC shirt and another one for a 5K he ran in Cedar City that has the Providence center name on it. I thought that it was very nice of him.

You can tell Aunt Trudy that I did get her Package with her pumpkin bread and Tie in it. The bread is really good, and I really like the tie. It is a cool green one. I may have to wear it and take a picture so you guys can see it at home.

It sounds as if you enjoyed the party. That was one thing I knew that I would miss going to, but it is all right. I think we will have some fun here. It is good to hear that Uncle David liked the shirt I never saw. The package from Misti and Allan hasn't arrived yet, but I will keep you guys posted.

Thanks so much for thinking about me for this Christmas. I don't think it would have turned out as fun without the little cards and gifts coming in. They just set the mood for the season. Thanks for all the gifts. I will have a lot of fun opening them on Christmas Day. I am really going to like the photo album as well. It will be nice to have something to look at now and then. Also, thanks for sending Elder Lewis a gift. As missionaries move farther into their missions, they seem to get fewer letters and packages, and so far it is showing true for Elder Lewis. His family is sending him something, but they just haven’t done it yet, and I truly think he will enjoy having something from you guys. So, thanks again.

Elder Lewis and I are having a good time out here. As you know, the work of the Lord doesn't just stop because of bad weather, but it is taking some getting used to. It is a little easer now, but 19-degree weather is still cold no matter what, especially when it is accompanied by the wind chill and the humidity. I don't think that I will ever complain about the weather in Cedar City again.

Sister Corey told me that she got the package you sent her. She was very grateful for it. She told me that with all of her kids that went on missions, she never once thought about their mission presidents. So, that was a very nice thing for you guys to do. On a side note, I asked her about Aunt Faris and Uncle Frank. President Corey says that he remembers them very well. It was kind of neat to have that connection with them. Also, President and Sister Corey were very good to us this year. They bought each missionary one of those Church Artwork books that came out, and a Book of Mormon fold-out timeline. They must have spent a good amount of money on the books. They are amazing people. I will truly miss them in June when their time ends. I just hope that the new mission president is as amazing. Last Wednesday at our Christmas zone conference, was the first time I ever heard President Corey bear his testimony in so strong of a way. I truly felt the Spirit at that moment. It was one of the few times I have felt the Spirit that strongly. It almost felt like the time Elder Holland spoke at the MTC. I sometimes forget how amazing of a testimony and faith that President Corey has.

I hope that you guys enjoy your Christmas vacation and Spencer's wedding. I think that Levi will really enjoy going to Reno and flying back. That will be a great experience for him to have. It was interesting last year when I flew without you guys for the first time. It makes you feel a little more independent.

We haven’t gotten much snow yet, but we are getting the cold weather. I really enjoyed yesterday, though, when it got up into the high 50's. That felt really good.

The missionary work is still going great here. Our investigators are slowing down a little bit in the work, but Elder Lewis and I hope to be able to "spiritually" kick them back into shape. I think that for the past while I have truly begun to understand the importance of “Exact Obedience”, and in “Companionship Unity”. I have had little spats with companions, but when things are going well in the companionship; things are going better in the missionary work. It is amazing how that occurs. Let me know if you have any questions.

I love you all very much. I can truly feel the effect of your prayers in my life. I am going to be sending you guys a package as well very soon, so be looking for it as well. I want you to open the box when you get it because they are all individually wrapped, and because there is one present you need to open on Christmas Eve day. I have written on the one to open early, and you will understand it better when you do open it.

Thanks for everything you guys have done for me. I know that I am out here serving the Lord, and the blessings from it are far beyond my hopes and dreams. I know that this is truly the Lord’s work.

Love,

Elder Savage

      Elder Colton Savage

     1216 N. Central Ave. #7

     Connersville, IN  47331

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