Elder Busco's Puerto Rico Mission: Getting presents and going and doing cool things are fun, but TRUE happiness comes from following the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Balling up on Christmas Eve

Well I'm in Caguas now. And apart from the fact that I haven't had like a single free second since I've arrived, this place is absolutely awesome.

Getting ready for Christmas

I spent the first two days of the week saying goodbye to as many people as I could back in San Juan. It was definitely not easy to leave all the people I loved out there behind. I truly had an amazing time out there and was able to see the lives of so many people be blessed.

Saying goodbye to Betty and her mom

Saying goodbye to the Bishop and his wife

When I arrived to Caguas, I was, however, lucky enough to start my time out here right. We had the Ward Christmas party and it was super fun. I've been able to meet most of the members, and they all seem super cool. This is going to be an awesome place to serve.

Mission Christmas Activity

I also totally forgot to mention earlier, but I'm with my companion who was with me before the hurricane. He's straight from the Dominican Republic and speaks only a little English, so English is going to be a thing of the past for a little bit. This is also his last transfer in the mission which means we were companions when I started, and now we're going to be companions when he finishes.

With my new comp Elder Canario

This week, like most of my other weeks, was absolutely AMAZING. A few of the highlights include exchanges with Elder Armstrong out in Cayey, literally nonstop teaching all week, and the mission Christmas party. Let's just say that the fun experiences I've had this week have been far from short. How could we not have fun getting together as an entire mission to do a bunch of Christmas activities and seeing everybody serving on the island again? And let me tell you, I have been eating really well these past couple weeks. Especially since my companion loves to cook. Our mission president definitely did something right when he put us together cause he loves to cook great Dominican food, and I love to eat great Dominican food.

There is, however, one thing that makes this week stand out a little bit from the others. Although it's not true with everyone, a lot of people we were able to talk with this week were a little bit more centered on Christ. We've finally hit this Christmas season, and it's amazing to see everyone with that Christmas spirit. As missionaries we have the opportunity to share about Christ every single day. There is a reason we've left our families for 2 years and learn a whole other language and culture. It's because we know what we share. And we share that following the Gospel of Jesus Christ and trying to be like him is how we ultimately will be more happy in this life and the life to come. Getting presents and going and doing cool things are fun, but TRUE happiness comes from following the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And there is NOTHING better than that.

I'd like to invite you guys, if you haven't already done so, to look for ways you guys can be more Christ-like this Christmas season. Ways that you can give as he gave, and I promise you that whatever sacrifice you make to do it, will be completely worth the peace and joy you will have after.

Que todos tengan una FELIZ NAVIDAD!