Well I have to say that Christmas day had to be one of the most
distracting days of my whole mission. I was thinking about what I would
talk to my family about, what they would have to say, did Kamber have
her baby? I just couldn't wait!
( MOM note: No baby yet!)
Christmas eve was
when the festivities truly began. We went to carol to Sister Janacke,
who was more than happy for the surprise visit. She willingly shared her
sparkling grape juice, crackers and cheese. We sang a few Christmas
songs, but mostly she just liked our company. Then we went to Carrie's
for a quick visit. She of course had a little gift for Sister Brown and
I. We shared a quick message about the Book of Mormon and about the
birth of Jesus Christ. Then we stopped by a few families to drop off a
few Christmas gifts. Then it was off to the Parker's house. Dinner was
amazing. They make us feel like we are part of the family and I love it
when people do that. I think that that really helps me feel not so
homesick during the holiday season. We had dinner, we sang Christmas
carols (along with playing the musical instruments), santa came to see
us and give us candy, and then we acted out the Nativity.
I
feel like the time to skype was short. I didn't really know what to
talk about or what to ask. It was really just nice to see them all and
hear their voices. My family is pretty random and we came up with enough
things to talk about. But I still came up with things to ask or topics
to talk about after I signed out. The Jarnagins welcomed us into their
Christmas evening dinner, presents and games. It was a very enjoyable
and fulfilling evening. I taught them how to play the whipped topping
game, and got a few videos, but sadly didn't get any pictures.
Remember Mary?
She is the one that started talking to us while we were waiting for the
elevator and then later invited us over to her house when we told her
that we speak Spanish. Well we went over to her house and ... She is
already a member. Apparently it has been a very long time. She was so
sweet and invited us to come back. We tried to stop by on Sunday with
some of the Lopez-Mayta family, but she was feeling under the weather.
Friday
I was in Billerica Massachusetts on exchanges with Sister Blair. She is
such a sweet missionary and is always finding ways to complement. We
went to a lot of people's house. One of them was Raquel. A recent
convert. She is the mother of three and she is so cute! She told me that
taking care of her children is one of her biggest worries. I didn't
have that long with her, but I had an instant love for her. It is
something that I can't really describe. When we were leaving she asked
how long I was going to be there and if I would ever come back. I hope I
get to see her again some day.
We had dinner with our ward mission leader on Saturday.
I forget sometimes how awesome people are. His stepchildren, (the
daughter was a mini missionary with Sister Wagner and Sister Garcia in
Boston when I was there) have their own non-profit organization that
helps children with cancer. It sure makes me feel like I should have
done more while I was in high school. But some people are just naturally
talented at doing things like that.
As
for the work with the Spanish group, we are still working on finding
people. We set a goal as a companionship to see all the Spanish members
that we have met so far at least once a week. This week we have plans to
do just that. We have also been going through the list of people that
were taught before by Spanish missionaries. We found a few so far all of
which have invited us to come back. Very welcoming and wanting to
learn.
