Merry Christmas!

First, I want to testify of Jesus Christ. I know He lived, I know He died for us and made returning to our heavenly home possible. I'm so grateful for His incomprehensible sacrifice and an opportunity to know Him through scriptures and people who exemplify His amazing charity. How grateful I am for an extra chance to remember Him and His love. 

T5B: 1) I got to skype my family. 2) I received some treats. 3) I got to see the Christmas concert and the elders escorted me there and back. 4) It snowed but didn't stick so riding home was safe (thank goodness). 5) I read some great Conference talks (Small and Simple Things, Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?)!

basal temp: 36.54

Morning:
- my sleep wasn't great (83%) but I'm glad I got it
- I got up and showered
- ate my typical, but delicious, breakfast sandwich
- opened my Christmas presents
- skyped my family while they opened the box I sent them :)

Notes: -- (pics below)

Afternoon:
- I picked up a little bit (Saz is supposed to spend a night at mine so I tried to make it presentable)
- ate some lunch
- played some games
- finished watching that stupid movie (Arashi no Yoru ni - laaaaaame!)
- the elders came by to pick me up

Notes: --

Evening:
- same stress as the Christmas party
- watched the concert, felt lonely and like an outsider
- talked to McGreevey-shimai who made me feel much better and said that I blessed her life :,)
- rode home

Notes: I guess I forgot to mention before why the Christmas party was so stressful. There were just SO MANY PEOPLE and so much noise. It was overwhelming. And the chaos and people coming at my face and standing close and saying things I don't understand. I had several panic attacks. Then the same thing tonight. Lots of people showed up (and I'm happy for the missionaries that they did) but it was OVERWHELMING for me. Plus the announcer kept cracking jokes and everyone would laugh except for me. It just made me feel intensely lonely and I wished I hadn't gone. :/ I wouldn't make myself feel left out at home! In any case, McGreevey-shimai (missionary) came over and talked to me (because I started crying) and she helped me to feel better. She said she felt the exact same way as I did (and still does at times) and that >I< was the person who gave her hope and made her feel like everything was ok. She told me, "I know you're not sure if you accomplished your goal here in Japan, but I want you to know that I needed you here and the Lord sent you to me." It was awesome to hear that. Love that girl! She was a blessing in my life tonight. And the concert was fun to see and they gave me treats. So I'm glad I went (though I think it lasted WAY too long - left here at 16h30 and just got back at 21h00) but I'm even more glad to be home. Merry Christmas to you all! Much love!! XOXO, A

P.S. One story from the ward party, though it's about me. That guy who played crazy guitar tonight (video on fb - it's WAY too big to load here) was there and I made him and the missionaries laugh. I can't remember what I said the first time, but as I was trying to grab some Christmas cake, I went to get a fork. All the forks were stuck together (and I didn't realize they were watching me) and I said, "Whoa! Fork jackpot!" That made them all laugh really hard and made me feel a little more in control and calm. Then I went and hid in the corner. Almost literally.

(The video is the first time I have seen a train on the way to church! So I took a quick video!)

Christmas Eve - I kept with tradition and opened a gift

I told you about these pictures a while back - the difference in my body shape (I didn't realize the extent until I saw this second photo - the first is from the beginning of May and the second is from Thanksgiving)

My Christmas presents - EXACTLY what I wanted - thanks family!! XOXO

Josh played silent night like that - SUPER awesome and impressive (my dad did backup for a bit)

They are trying the senbei I sent :)

Saying goodbye

A picture of when we got stopped (video of the train above)