Well, I’ve passed the peak and completed a year and four days as a missionary… its been long, but gone by fast. I can’t imagine what more there is to learn or experience. However, I guess that’s why life is so hard and exciting, because there is always something more we need to learn and always experiences we lack (most of them not easy.)

That’s why the Gospel is such a blessing! Without the hope of obtaining mercy or obtaining the peace that comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and without knowing or understanding our purpose in this life or throughout the moments of our life, the trials and burdens that come are more than difficult, but nearly unbearable and can destroy us. However the beauty of Christ’s Gospel is not only that we are enabled to change from who we once were, but He has shown us how we must change or who we must become, by His own example. Obtaining freedom from a bondage that is very real and is only the first miraculous part in itself, however maintaining our liberty is as equally difficult, made known and possible by disciplining ourselves to become like Christ, developing the attributes he possesses. It takes time and is very difficult! However, He never promised it would be easy; He promised it would be POSSIBLE! I know that anything of TRUE value is difficult to obtain. Therefore, the miracle of forgiveness, being the thing of greatest value (and the greatest of all miracles), is the most difficult thing to obtain!

More than anything, these are the things I have learned in the past year. They are of priceless value and I know that they are true! I believe, I hope, and I pray that we may all receive continual liberation through the power and mercy of our Deliverer, our Savior from everlasting bondage, Jesus Christ.

I love you all, and this is my greatest desire for every one of you.

Elder Bryce Sterling Packer

¡Feliz Navidad! Perdón porque no puedo escribir a todos individualmente, pero ¡Les amo individualmente! [Merry Christmas! Sorry I can't write to you all individually, but I love each of you!]

This year has been a long one, however gone by very quickly because there has been so much to do. Probably the busiest year of my life! México is great, I’ve been here for a little over four months now and I love the people the culture and most of the food :b   Most of all I love what I am doing. Being a missionary has been really hard, and very rewarding. Christmas is defiantly not the same here, however the spirit is the same “good tidings to all” gratitude, peace and love. This is the message of Christ and this is what I get to share everyday. Pretty sweet, I know.

I quickly just want to let everyone know, I am thinking about you and that I want the best for you. I know that’s what our Father in Heaven wants for us and that is what the Savior has to offer us. I pray we will all have gratitude for His sacrifice, follow his example and serve others and receive the peace He has prepared for us.

I love you all

Bryce