Almost Christmas!

So how is Christmas in the Mission Field?  It's very different, much more of a focus on the Savior and His birth and atonement.  We have more opportunities to share and feel that message.  As hard as it is to be away from family, I would not trade this for anything.

We have been busy.  When I last wrote, I included a picture of myself practicing the organ,  That took up a bit of my time.  We tried to get over to the church about 3 times a week for practice.  I have been so grateful for the opportunity to include music in my missionary Christmas experience.  For me, Christmas is music!

We have things every day that we are doing.  I'm so grateful for the variety of things - we feel needed and valuable here.  When I last wrote, it was the last day of class on campus, so we had our last Forum luncheon that day.  That evening, we went to dinner with our group of CES/YSA senior missionaries - Barlows, Scotts, Monks, Perry's, and Reilly's.  What great people - they have so much to offer the Young Single Adults here, and give so much of themselves in the process.

On Friday, we attended the Ward Party for the YSA 1st Ward.  Had to have our picture taken in the photo booth.  Great ward, and great company!

Silly!

Saturday, we were able to do something that Christmas wouldn't be complete without.  Shopping!

This is Flat Stanley's and Elder McGuire's reaction to that!

How much did that cost?

Sunday night, after our meetings, we were able to do tree decorating with all of the beautiful decorations that my children sent us!  So fun, such a perfect tree!

Nothing prettier than children's decorations!

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 14-16, we offered breakfast at the Institute from 7:00 am to 11:00 am.  Monday was waffles, Tuesday was omelets made to order, and Wednesday was cinnamon rolls.  It meant an EARLY morning, but it was lots of fun!  I've included a picture of Bro. Mackay and his omelet station. Also me cooking waffles, along with Flat Stanleys,

Waffles!

Place your order!

Wednesday, Dec. 16 was Transfer Meeting.  We love to go to those - any chance to listen to President Schmitt is wonderful.  He's a tremendous man! We lost one of our favorite Elders, Elder Baloaloa.  He was transferred back to a Filipino area where he will be speaking Tagalog.  Elder Kunz is our new Elder in the 2nd Ward.  He seems very enthusiastic and will do a great job!

Elders McCloy and Baloaloa

Thursday was spent in the Institute kitchen, making Christmas treats.  I feel so fortunate to have access to such a large and well equipped kitchen.  My apartment is so tiny, and the gas stove makes it feel like I have a bonfire in it.  Elder McGuire is always right by my side, doing the dishes, chopping up nuts, etc. What a blessing!

Pecan Bars, Christmas Popcorn, Rolo Pretzel Treats

On Friday, we had Zone Meeting.  Elder McCloy and Kunz conducted it.  As usual, we love associating with the young missionaries and feeling of their spirit.  Saturday, December 19, the Senior Missionaries who live in our little complex (RV Resort) held a cookie decorating event for the children who live there.  It was VERY successful!  Many kids came, and acted like this was the most exciting thing they had done in a long time!  Some had parents with them, some did not.  Elder McGuire set up our TV and had church Christmas videos playing.  We were so pleased to be able to bring some Christmas joy into the lives of these kids who may be living a "marginal" life in an RV.  I think we will try repeating it for other holidays, maybe next time inviting the missionaries who work with the family ward in our area to come.

Christmas cookies!

I've learned one thing about missionary work.  It is what you make it to be!  .There are opportunities all around to serve, you have to just dive in.  We enjoy volunteering to do things, coming up with ways to support, fellowship, and share our talents. One thing we've enjoyed is the Church's Christmas campaign with the pass along cards.  I even gave one to the girl who waits on us at the nearby McDonald's.  So many of the new converts are people that were contacted while waiting for the bus, etc.  We just never know whose heart has been prepared by the Lord.  Elder McGuire is posting the story of Larry Chu, who was baptized last April and now has a mission call.  We had the opportunity last night to invite the AP's and one of their investigators to dinner.  What a wonderful young man, newly arrived from India but searching for a church when the Elders found him.  Nothing is as fun as seeing and associating with the new converts and feeling the fire of the gospel light in them. Because I play the piano, we often get asked to help with the music at baptisms.  Friday night we had that opportunity, and watched a newly reactivated young man baptize and confirm his wife.  So much joy!

Monday was one of the best days we've had here.  It was our Missionary Christmas Devotional - the only day in the year when all of the missionaries get together.  I played the organ for prelude, postlude, and several musical numbers.  We heard messages from the Mission President and his wife. Brunch followed.  It was a very spiritual and fulfilling day.  We were able to deliver Christmas gifts to so many of the people we have learned to love.  

That evening was the Ward Party for the YSA 2nd Ward.  We had a lot of fun watching the kids perform Christmas Karaoke, visiting with investigators, and watching the Nativity Video.

So for Christmas this year, we will do a Christmas Eve dinner here at the Institute for the missionaries we work with and any investigators they wish to invite.  Christmas morning we will take the Missionary Devotional Program to the Marine Base for the new recruits (early morning - we'll do it at 8:00 am).  (Everyone says it's a great experience.) Then we'll have brunch with members of the YSA 1st Ward (at a bishopric members home), and dinner with members of the YSA 2nd Ward (at the bishop's home).  We are so grateful for our relationship with these great men who care so much for the Youth here.

At this time, I want to bear my testimony that we have a Savior that lives.  He was born in humble circumstances, devoted His life to serving the will of the Father, and through His atoning sacrifice, we may all return once again to live with Him and our Father.  I want nothing more in this world for myself and those I love.  But I have learned while on this mission that there are many more in this world that need this message and have hearts that are being prepared for it.  We need to proclaim it from the rooftops!  I love my Savior!