"More"

I haven't posted for quite a while, but I think Bob's journal covers the ground better anyway. December was a wild month -- everything was "more." More socials; more luncheons and dinners; more shopping and cooking; more sweets and goodies; more rehearsals and performances; more wonderful concerts, both major and mini; more time with extended family; more correspondence with family and friends; a visit with dear friends who are just like family; more reasons to be happy and to love and enjoy one's co-workers. Also more sadness as we said goodbye to some friends who left the mission field and will be missed. And some major ambivalence about snow -- beautiful as it falls from the sky and piles up on trees and other objects, but much less beautiful as it turns to dirty brown slush and ice, making scootering impossible and walking downright tricky.

This was a very different Christmas for us, being away from our families for the first time ever. But it was a sweet morning, especially as we counted up all the blessings that have come to us through this mission. We have managed to contain our envy for those of our friends and associates who either had family come and stay here, or who went home for the week. We'll get our turn! It's very heart-warming to know that our families love and support us in what we're doing and are praying for us daily. And any time our spiritual batteries need re-charging we only have to walk a half a block down the hill to Temple Square, where the lights and the decorations are beautiful and everything is Christ-centered. How grateful we are to be spending this particular holiday in this particular place!