Dear families and friends,
How did you each spend New Years Eve and Day? We slept late (till 7:30!!), then went to visit a good friend in another part of the city--bus ride required. We really enjoyed the midnight fireworks display. Today we are going to Skype with our friend, the former mission nurse, from British Columbia, Canada. Two sister missionaries who knew her very well and lived with her for many months here, are coming over to join in the Skype call.
This Christmas season I was not as homesick as last year--guess it's because we know that we will soon be home in America. We have truly enjoyed viewing the lights and decorations in the town, sitting beside the ocean at sunset and hearing the waves, trading small gifts with friends, and having a magnificent choir program the Sunday before Christmas (this made up for the program given in November at District Conference where the choir was a total of 5 women!) The district president made special invites to all the men who could sing to come to choir practice for the Christmas program, and they did--we had 40 singers in all.
On Christmas Day we had all the missionaries here for dinner and for a skit from each of the two districts. It was just plain FUN. We also had a gift exchange among them all, including us, a gift fit for either elder or sister for about $5.00. Then they went to their separate homes to speak with parents. In the evening 6 of them returned to our house and brought a movie, "The Grinch", which we all enjoyed and laughed over. It was so GOOD to see you on Skype--thank you so much for making that possible!
The week between Christmas and New Years is the slowest time here for mission work, so we have relaxed each day, but are now looking forward to going strong again on Monday. Larry is going to teach the Gospel Doctrine class tomorrow, and then in three weeks, I have to teach the Relief Society lesson on "Fasting" from "Gospel Principles". I am going on faith mostly because my speaking and understanding of the language is still not good, so I will have a translator to help me understand the comments of the class members.
We are in need of the prayers of each of you about having a replacement couple for us, hopefully to be here before we leave in March. Please help us with this.
Next Christmas I am going to make a gingerbread house and then on New Years Day, the grandchildren and adults also (if they wish) can come to our house and take it apart and eat it. Just like when you were kids.
We have many answers to prayer daily, as we see things fall into place and make way for greater works. We pray for each of you daily, and love you all very much. We are looking forward to seeing you in a little while.
Love always,
Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister
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