Mele Kalikimaka

The Calendar tells us it's Christmas week. We wish you all the very best christmas. We know we are having the very best. This is our second and last Christmas here before we go home to Utah in May. I have mixed emotions about it all. Jay(Elder McQuivey) is anxious to be home. He is missing his home and his life in Utah. Last year we only just arrived the first part of December, and we were still focusing on what we were to do here in Hawaii as missionaries. This year, we have embraced the people, the Islands and all it's awesome wonders. But it is short lived. January will be here soon, and the last 5 months will rush by, and we will be gone. We wish for our teachers and students a firm grasp of their Savior and all that He has done for them. Our Institute students are holding tight to the Iron Rod, while being buffeted all around by Satan. Several of them went to the Kona temple last week, and then came to class that night. It is a one day event, fly out early morning, attend the temple and fly back home to Oahu. They were glowing. When we attended their Sacrament meeting yesterday, we were warmed by their leadership and their friendship. This is the Lord's work, we know it, we hold fast to it, and pray for the world to come to embrace it in their lives. We have family on both sides who need to also step up to the plate and hold fast, stay faithful, and strive with all their mights, minds and strength. May you all feel the peace of the season and our Savior's love. Elder/Sister McQuivey