CHRISTMAS JOYS

This was a very different but very wonderful Christmas for us.

Far away from cherished family and friends - longing for home.

Didn't stay up all night wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve (Pres. was so happy!!)

Keenly aware that HE IS THE GIFT!!

We celebrated in moments:

On Monday the 21st we enjoyed a potluck in our home with our two couples - the Lee's and the Pendley's.
We could not keep the mission going without them!
We enjoyed a game of Santa Bingo together after dinner:)

On Tuesday the 22nd, we celebrated as Jordan and Kaitlynn announced that they are
expecting a BABY GIRL on June 2nd - Lothaire's birthday!!  This is their first baby,
and grandbaby #25 for us!!
They are standing in front of the beautiful new Phoenix Temple which is just a mile from their home
in Glendale.


On Christmas Eve, we returned from our deliveries in time to have the Assistants and Office Elders
over for dinner and some game playing.  We even found root beer for root beer floats!
(But I forgot to take a photo!)

Our Christmas morning was very quiet and sweet.
We made the pretty drive to Santa Juana and visited these four special Hermanas, with a little "Christmas joy" in tow.
And then we came home and were able to Skype with each and every one of our children and grandchildren!
The kids delighted in showing us their Christmas treasures, and we delighted in seeing the sparkle in their eyes
and the happiness in their precious little souls.
We are grateful for Skype!
We are grateful for wonderful friends!
We are grateful for sweet family!
We are grateful for amazing missionaries!
We are grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and for this opportunity to serve Him
by sharing His gospel with the people here in Chile!