Thing of greatest importance: did you get the brief note about my driving record; have you sent in the paperwork?
Brief guilt message: I've received Christmas photos from both Aunt Sarah and cousin Erika, but I still don't have pictures of the kids in their Halloween costumes. (On the other had, I've not sent any pictures home, either....)
Snow is fun. Sleet is not. And when everyone and their dog have a plow for their truck, the highway gets a little scary.
Had district meeting this past week. The elders are an interesting bunch. Of course, they all live in the same apartment complex, so they know each other much better than we do. (They also have a gym, of which Hermana and I are quite jealous.) We had some fun doing role plays and a white elephant gift exchange. (I received a package of toilet paper, while hermana received a men's shaving kit.) We had lunch together, and went our separate ways.
I've sent gifts home for y'all. They should get there later today or early tomorrow. I hope you enjoy them. As I said in the included letter, I want a full report of the haul this year, especially what santa bequeathed as a family gift. (Pictures would be great!) I beg to differ about the wrapping. You forget how many presents I wrapped last year. I hope Myr has been upgraded to full "elf" status.
(By the way, if that box you sent me is what I think it is, it might be for naught. Yesterday we gave our little Christmas tree away to a family who was going to go without one this year.)
We went caroling Monday night. A less-active family organized it. We and two other families sang to investigators, less-actives, and family friends. We gave away baskets of fruit and cookies, each with a complimentary church video (either 'the nativity' or 'finding Faith in Christ') and a bag of microwave popcorn. Hermana Secrist is very talented with the guitar, and played for the occasion.
We also took the opportunity of having the loaned guitar to write a song. I'll see what I can do about getting it to you.
By the by, Hermana Perez is NOT tall, nor dark-haired. I was standing with Hermana Curtis much of the time, whose companion was recuperating in the MTC from appendicitis. (Both Hermana Perez and Elder Lemkey are rather intimidating people, so I stuck close by; besides, she took good care of me on the plane.) Hermana Perez looks about as Hispanic as I do, and is shorter than I. She has the curly blonde hair. And I did grow to love her, although not in any way I would have expected. She reminds me very much of Mother, at times.
We went to Pizzeria Oro because they allow you to order ahead of time, while most of the others do not. Still, it was great stuff.
I'm still getting used to reading the faces of the Hispanics. While their intonation is very much the same as English, their range of facial expressions is different. This is important, especially when they are reading scriptures, as many times they can't intone while reading. (Although I have been pleasantly surprised by the level of literacy, both in English and Spanish.)
I'm still getting acquainted with the branch. Presidente Urrutia is very active with both Investigators y menos-activos. The Spanish elders and we are having Christmas Eve at his house, and then we're going to another house for Christmas day.
Hope Christmas is great for all of you. Ask Myr if he's organized the children's committee yet, and tell him to send me an email. Also tell him I'm glad he's doing well wrestling, and that I rooting for him from afar. I have much more time to write out here in the field than I did in the MTC. (An hour, as opposed to 30 minutes.)
Sierviendo al Senor con todo mi alma, mente, y fuerza, os doy a vosotros todo de mi amor.
Sincieramente,
La Hermana Maren Jones
