One small act of kindness

Hey family! 

So summer is coming in fast her in Rio, haha Friday and Saturday were about 100 to 107, pretty hot. I will have to get used to it again. But right now it is cloudy and cooler so that is good. Things were pretty good this week. We visited Estela and marked her baptismal date firm for this Sunday. She went to church again yesterday and loved it. It was also really cool cause Bruno, her 24 year old son, and Juliana, her 15 year old daughter, finally came to listen to the lessons. Bruno is a bit atheist, but went to church yesterday with his mom and said he would go next week again with his girlfriend. Besides that we have been doing tons of contacts and knocking on doors. We have found a few people, and a new family, but still no one that is progressing. The family we found is good, but are super busy with work, college and the holiday season. We haven´t been able to visit them again yet, but I will let you know. Things here in Tijuca are good, but we still have lots of work to do, but I feel like little by little we are having more success, more investigators that are progressing. This week we have zone conference with president so I am excited what he has to say and teach us. 

I loved the story about the Christmas tree. So many people just need some small acts of service to change their day, week, year, or even life. 

I love you all so so much! Thanks for everything you guys do!

Merry Christmas season!

With love, 

Elder Ottosen

The story of the Christmas tree Elder Ottosen is referring to is that I (his mother) bought a small artificial tree to send to him for Christmas but it was going to cost too much to ship so I didn't end up sending it to him.  In the meantime our family has an advent calendar and on one of the days it asked us to "give a Christmas tree to someone".  My daughter was going to a nursing home here in Draper with the Young Women to take candy bars and Christmas cards to the residents. I asked her to take the Christmas tree in case someone there could use it.  While there, the nurses told Paige that a lady named Connie had wanted a tree.  The YW went in and decorated it.  Connie talked to the YW about prayer and the gospel.  She was so excited to have the tree.  She gave them all hugs and told them she loved them.  After Paige and the YW walked out, the leaders heard Connie say to the nurses, you told them to come and bring that tree to me didn't you. THAT is the magic of one small act of service.  

Have a Merry Christmas!