Merry Christmas Ya'll!

At the Turkey Bowl with Elder Cluff, Elder Wheeler and Elder Buttars

So grateful for families who take care of my missionaries :)

Looks like they were well fed!

December 3, 2014

Dear Family,

Man, it's becoming harder and harder to summarize what has happened to me here in Martin, Kentucky. I just don't know where to begin. I guess I'll start with the Weekly Housekeeping:

1) Elder Buttars and I did not get transferred this week. The reason for this is because my training program with him is not done yet. We are now in Week 7 of the 12 Week Training Program. Therefore, there's a good chance that neither of us won't be transferred until sometime in January.

2) Yes, I did get some apple pie on Thanksgiving.

3) No, I do not have any info on my Christmas call yet. I promise, I will ask around and find out.

4) Yes, I did get the pajama bottoms that MomMom sent me.

Now for the real story. In case you guys were worried about me since I didn't send you an e-mail on Monday, I apologize for that. The reason for that is because on transfer weeks the transfer days take place on Thursdays. In order for the missionaries to prepare for their departures, Wednesdays become the new P-Days for that week. Even those who aren't being transferred are asked to hold off on the e-mails until Wednesday so as to avoid confusion for the Mission President who will receive e-mails from us. I'm sorry but that's the rule for this mission.

Anyway, Thanksgiving was awesome! We had a Turkey Bowl, had dinner with two member families who just spoil us (bless their hearts), and we are beginning a new missionary campaign to help people get into Christmas Spirit and hasten the work. It's called the "He is the Gift" campaign. If you haven't already, please go to christmas.mormon.org to watch the video. It is amazing! The Church is really putting a lot of their resources into this campaign to help people realize that Jesus Christ is the gift sent to us by our loving Heavenly Father. Please watch the video and help us to #ShareTheGift. Christmas time is the best time to do so. The West Virginia Charleston is already seeing miracles because of this campaign.

I also want you to know that I'm really glad that things are going well at home. It's awesome that you had the missionaries over for Thanksgiving. I truly have been blessed to have a very supportive and loving family. I am truly grateful for everyone's letters and e-mails. Thank you so much.

I will admit, it's hard not to get homesick during this time of year. I love Christmas because of the wonderful traditions that our family has with it. As I read your letter about Dad's attempts to fix the Christmas lights and Mom and Aubrey setting up the Christmas tree, I couldn't shake the feeling of "I wish I was there for that." I'm not trying to make you guys sad, but please keep me in your prayers. I'm really going to need them for this time of year.

As for the work here in Martin, Kentucky hopefully, the "He is the Gift" campaign will help to hasten the work here.

Well, I guess that's everything. Always remember that I love you guys and you're always in my prayers. Merry Christmas!

Love,

Elder Michael Alley

P.S. Just a few things: 1) Elder Cluff (my district leader) says "Hi" (ha ha). 2) One of the pictures that I sent is a little blurry for some reason but it's me drinking a soda. I know that I promised to do the "No Soda Challenge" but since a lot of the members bring sodas for celebrations I decided that I'm going to make a few exceptions. Please, forgive me. Thank you. I love you all.