Happy New Year

 

December 28, 2020

 

ოკეი მეგობრებო,

 

We just had a wonderful Christmas, but being in a post-Soviet country, we still have a couple of days before the big holiday of the year. In a couple of days, the curfew will be lifted for one night only. I'm not sure that this will be needed since in past years the metro and other public transport are completely empty for about 36 hours. That's a fun tradition. Let's take another. Oh boy, I can't wait for Santa to come on New Year's Eve. And now that I have the expectations for fireworks, I'm really excited. I have to tell you again, last year I saw far more fireworks than all the previous fireworks I had seen in my life. They aren't the coolest or fanciest, but quantity certainly makes up for quality in this case. 

 

As we enter into the year that I return from my mission, let's give an update on how much longer I have. Approximately 170 days. 23% left. That's right. Some of you may see that as a long time. Others of you will certainly view this as the home stretch. Regardless of where you stand, this alignment of the new year and my 18-month mark makes this the perfect opportunity to look at a few things I've done and things that have happened throughout my time as a missionary. I thought of making a list for you all, but I figured I wouldn't bore you with all the little things. If you REALLY want to know, I can supply you with a non-comprehensive list.  A lot of things happen. I've done a lot, but it is mostly routine for me. Whether or not something is actually unique, I just knew it as something that comes with being a missionary.  I've said it once, and I shall continue to say it. My expectations were shattered as soon as I read that I was assigned to serve in the Armenia/Georgia Mission and that I would prepare to teach in the Georgian language. My mind was opened on the 29th of January almost two years ago. That has been the theme of my mission. The continual shattering of expectations. Luckily, I expect that now. Things may happen that I don't anticipate, but it takes a lot to surprise me. What does this mean? It means that I can just keep going. I'm not interrupted in my normal flow of things. This has been a great blessing this year because of the frequency at which things change right now.

 

My last little bit is again on the scriptures. As of a couple days ago, I finished reading the Old Testament. That means I have read the whole Bible. I have read every word of the standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That is 2468 pages. For some reference that is about the same length as The Lord of the Rings and War and Peace combined. As a matter of coincidence, I've heard both the Bible and Book of Mormon compared to each of those books, and while I've not read either, I can guarantee you can learn more from the scriptures than either The Lord of the Rings or War and Peace. I don't remember when I started reading the Bible, but I know it took me less than eight months. If you read 3 chapters a day, you can read it in 13 months. Read the scriptures. Study them. Figure out the truths that are taught. I recommend reading The Book of Mormon because it's shorter and simpler. It teaches about Christ, just as the Bible does. Just read the scriptures. Make it a habit. Do it with your family. It'll enrich your life. If you've been reading my emails lately and you haven't even considered reading in the scriptures, do it. Do an experiment. Look for good when you read. You'll find it.

 

Anyway, I hope you all find love, hope, and knowledge this new year. If you strive for it, you'll find all three. Until next time. 

--უხუცესი ფიშერი