Christmas in the Mission Field

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After our week of Zone Conferences, the week of Christmas seemed very quiet.  It was very different, not running around shopping, but instead celebrating in a quieter way.  I liked that.



On Saturday, the 21st, we started our day in Ilagan, speaking to a group of youth about preparing to serve missions.  The youth of the Church here in the Philippines are really amazing.  They are impressive in their desires to serve.  Many serve missions, and they come home and strengthen their wards and branches.  They are often the ones sitting on the front row at conferences, listening intently and taking notes.  They are humble and teachable, and there is a light in their eyes.  They are the future, and they will be great!



Later Saturday we attended a couple of Christmas parties, one in San Mateo Branch, and the other here in Cauayan.









And a baptism of a wonderful couple, the Garcias, that we were privileged to go with the missionaries to teach.



Sunday in San Mateo Branch, and the Elders and President wore their mission ties!



Christmas Eve was District Council, and many of the Districts had white elephant gift exchanges.  The Cauayan Districts proudly showed off their gifts...





Christmas Day was quiet.  In the morning we talked with family and friends via FaceTime, and opened our package from our family.  It was a highlight and a joy to read their notes of testimony to us.  We love them so much!   We hosted the Senior Couples for Christmas Dinner.  We were blessed to have a turkey, as the Allens were able to get one at S&R a couple of weeks ago, so I tried to make a traditional Christmas meal.  We had turkey, stuffing (made by Elder Warren), mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls (made by Sister Allen), fruit salad (made by Sister Roberts) carrots and beans. The Infantes brought pansit.  We closed it all off with apple pie for dessert.  I was unable to find cranberries, so that was missed, but I think we did pretty well .




Last night we had an appreciation dinner for all the people who help us in the mission complex and their families.  We had a fun evening of dinner, songs and games.  It was great to get know know their families a bit better.





We are grateful for our opportunity to serve here in the Philippines.  We are truly blessed.

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