Christmas 2013

 I can't believe Christmas has come and gone.  Time just passes so quickly.  The best part of the day was that we got to talk to all of our children.  This is the second Christmas we are spending on this mission.  It is hard not to be with all of the kids and grandkids, but we know it is what we should be doing, so we are fine with it.  We are happy to serve.
We got together with a few other missionaries and had Christmas dinner together.  We also made it a little farewell for the Bendio's who will be leaving the day after tomorrow.  They have served a wonderful mission.  Just in the past 2 months they have had 3 baptisms and 1 completely inactive woman come back to church and going to the temple.  Of course they have been working with these people and teaching them for some time.  The Vallecalles are the couple that will be replacing them.  The Vallecalles are from France originally, but have been living in California for many, many years.  Interestingly enough, he spent some time in the Basque country so Dad had some fun reminiscing with him.

 This time it was Sister Abrams who hosted the dinner at her apartment.  I made the turkey, the southern style yams and stuffed mushrooms.  The food was so yummy and the conversation was nice, so we had a very pleasant time together.

We were spoiled this year and got all of these wonderful gifts.  We are so grateful for all that we have.  We are especially grateful for our Savior and His great atoning sacrifice for all of us. We are grateful for our family and for the many wonderful friends that we have.  We are truly blessed.