12-17-12 email

Dear Family,

I'm doing pretty good here. The work has been slowing just a little bit because of the holidays, but things are still going well. We have a baptism this Saturday for Tanya and Dylan. We are all pretty excited for it! It is always the best seeing family members getting baptized together. Especially right before christmas! I admit, its been getting a little bit harder for me again as we get closer to Christmas. I have found a lot of peace in trying to keep our little traditions and of course trying to help other people out as well. I read an article the other day that has really helped me put things into perspective though. If you get some time, read President Monson's article in this month's ensign. I'm positive that was written for my sake. And while I'm still getting a lot of festivities (Especially with Sister Douglas) I'm starting to find that the things that are really important to me are different this year. As I have been reading about Christ each morning, and serving others the rest of the time, I've found a new kind of Christmas spirit that I don't think I really appreciated until now. And once again, I think President Monson sums that up pretty well. I'm glad you enjoyed those Christmas cards, they were pretty cheap, and I thought they would be a pretty easy way to stay in touch with a lot of the people that I have met in the mission. I am planning on sending you guys a little package this week too, with a little extra something for Tyler of course! BTW... (make sure to scream at the top of your lungs when you read this next part)  HHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPPYYYYYYYYYYYY BBBBBBBBBBBBBIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHDDDDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY TTTTTTTTTTTTYYYYYYYYYYLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

anyways, I did really enjoy Stevies letter, and I am super happy for him! I sent him a card too, so hopefully he gets that soon. So as far as skype goes, would maybe around 10 work? Also, I think I need your skype information or something in order to call you. I'm not really sure how it works though. Oh, and I am still loving your fudge! I have rationed it now so that I can still have some on Christmas. Hahaha... I'm sad I missed the Christmas Party, but I'm glad to hear it was as great as ever! I miss you guys soooo much! especially right now. I want you to know that I love you all, and I hope you have a  wonderful christmas! -Elder Hatch

PS we found out at Zone Conference that because of all the new missionaries coming, they are shifting the transfer schedule, so all of us will be going home a week earlier than originally planned. Which means I wont actually serve two full years!

PPS It was super hard to see grandpa and not be able to talk for a long time. I miss him a lot too!

PPPS Elder Harris is very thankful for your generosity!