December 16, 2020

Hey everybody! Today marks the end of my second transfer as a missionary! Transfers are blocks of time, usually between 5 and 7 weeks, at the end of which missionaries often switch companions or areas and move apartments. I am staying in Santa Clarita, but I did get a new comp, Elder Ostler. He is a super cool guy, and we're already buddies. We are really excited to get to work out here and see what we can do! In our last week together, Elder Stastny and I spent a lot of time as usual working with members in the branch, as well as working with some investigators. This week I had the chance to do a lot of talking over the phone, and I am proud to say that my Spanish has really come along well. This week, we shared a lot of messages about how privelaged we are to freely choose for ourselves how we will act, our free agency is a gift from God! We are allowed to pick between right and wrong, and given countless opportunities throughout our life to decide the type of person we will be. We can always choose our actions and responses, but we can't always choose our outcomes. We are safest when we choose to follow the Savior, and trust in his power and plan to yield the best results. I had a tough week this week, as this will be the first time I have spent Christmas away from home, however as I held onto this truth, I was able to find peace in Christ. When we choose Christ, we will be blessed. This scripture in 2nd Nephi 2, verse 27, says it great: Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. It really isn't a hard choice! Following the Savior is the way to be happy. Remember that this week! Have a great week! And thankyou to everyone for all the birthday wishes!!! I really appreciate it so much!!! I'll try to respond but as always, I wish I had more time to send emails! Elder Easton Mcclain.easton@missionary.org And I had to add some pictures this week if I'm sticking around... views from the apartment, and a little shopping with my new comp!