We have had the privilege of spending a number of our Christmases since 2006 on a mission. I thought I would go back and look at the last one in Richards Bay South Africa. The weather was much like it is today in Florida. Â I wish we could have found a way to bring home our unusual tree.
Our Christmas tree with presents on Christmas morning. Notice my stocking is stuffed but Mary’s is empty – she had a poor excuse for a Santa getting her presents. The elders came over and spent some time with us. We had party poppers for them – it took some practice to get them to give a good pop. Elder Maremela had fun practicing.
Although most of them had been eating at member’s houses all day long, some of them still found room for a little more food. The chocolate cake and ice cream all disappeared. Having the elders visit made our Christmas. They bring with them a special spirit – even when they are relaxed and eating. They are our temporary sons who will not forget. Notice how well dressed elder Weaver is…I think he looked better in his Santa Claus suit!
We remember that tree so well – love getting our So. African ornaments and nativities out and now it is about over for another year! Life has been so hectic around here for us that I haven’t even had time to post anything on your site. Have tried to read at least once a week and catch up. Just know how much we love you both and our friendship. Grateful for your example to be back in the mission field!
We have ornaments from Indonesia, South Africa and now South Florida on the tree. We still have not found a Haitian nativity but we are going to check the Flea Markets.
The Jacksonville mission has a nice blog. Have you ever had a chance to visit it?