Missionary Phone Call

Thanks to the great technology that is available these days, we were able to not just talk to Elder Aubrey yesterday, but see him too! Yes, we were allowed to use Skype to talk to him. The video was pretty poor, but I could still see him. I love that we could hear his voice, but love even more that I could see his smile. It's a great smile and I forgot how much I miss it. I love that we could see and hear him laugh. It's a great laugh--and I forgot how much I miss that too.

It was a wonderful time together. Carson was having a great time talking to his brother. Maren was a little on the quiet side, but definitely enjoying the conversations we were all having. We even got to talk to his companion for a couple of minutes. Elder Pauli doesn't speak much English (he's from Switzerland), but he did tell me that Aubrey is a wonderful missionary with a great love of the work. Ahh, that does a mother's heart good.

And, just so you know, I didn't cry at all during the call, or even right after we hung up. But I did tear up a bit just now as I was writing this.

Travel Metaphor

I'll spare you the ugly details, but suffice it to say that my kids and I spent 7 hours waiting in the SLC airport before flying to Austin, TX instead of San Antonio, TX on Tuesday. At some point during the evening, Carson was expressing his frustration. Somehow, I had been able to keep it together for the day and this is how I answered him.

A Travel Metaphor

Sometimes things are going pretty smoothly, even better than you thought they might. But then, there's a small delay. Followed by another delay, and yet another. While trying to wait out the delays, you might go looking for some food and unexpectedly meet some friendly strangers--ones who even tell you they love you. And just when you think you might have it worked out, another delay comes up. So you change your route. You might even end up in a different city than you planned on. And then, in the end, you get to the place you wanted to go, even if it took longer than you planned.

*Addendum

Sometimes you run out of gas and just can't go on. But there are people around you to help you. And they push you to the gas station where you can fill up and be on your way again.

Live Nativity

I've been trying to find 10 minutes to post these pictures all week, whew! It's been a busy one. 'Tis the season, right?

My kids and I went to Alpine's live nativity last Saturday night. Luckily we ran into our friends, the Wildes and the Lindleys (cuz everything is more fun with friends!) so there was a large group of us. We waited our turn to ride the shuttle from the parking lot to the property. We lucked out both ways and got to ride in the horse trailer outfitted with hay bales for seats.
Once the trailer dropped us off, a hay strewn path led us up a hill where we were met by Roman centurions who demanded we return to the city of our birth to pay our taxes.
While waiting to enter Bethlehem we met Lucy the llama.
Once inside we saw and petted camels, donkeys, and sheep. We were able to saw wood, hammer horse shoes, watch a scarf being woven, and some pottery being made. The Bethlehem bakery even shared some bread with us. We also met up with a wise man showing a gift he was bringing to the baby.
We silently entered the barn where Mary & Joseph were trying to quiet the baby Jesus. All the talking and goofing around from the previous barn were gone as everyone quietly observed the tender scene before us. It gave me goose bumps.
As we were leaving we found a shopkeeper with hot chocolate to warm us.It was a nice evening spent with family and friends. Thanks to all those who made it possible.

I Need a Silent Night

I love this song by Amy Grant. Here's a youtube video with beautiful pictures to illustrate.

Aubrey's Last Thankful List

Here's what Aubrey sent as his last thankful list:

1. I'm thankful I can work in Lübeck, it's a cool city

2. I'm thankful our GML (ward mission leader) is actually interested in helping the work move along.

3. I'm thankful for marzipan, that's some good stuff.

4. I'm thankful that the internet guy didn't put me on the total crap computer.

5. I'm thankful that we found Rene.

6. I'm thankful that our apartment is in pretty good condition.

7. I'm thankful that I have enough energy to get through the day.

Some times I'm thankful for small weird things, but I'm still thankful.

In response to my thankful list, he mentioned that he was missing Whirley Pop popcorn the night before--poor guy. He'll just have to make up for it in marzipan.

(Just for clarification, Rene is an investigator who has committed to baptism later this month)

Attitude of Gratitude, Days 29 &30

So I fell a little behind this week, but I did think about what I was grateful for on the 29th and 30th and what I decided is that I would combine these two because it's such a wonderful thing--I'm thankful for Christmas. I'm thankful for the festive lights and decorations. I'm thankful that I am in a position to bring joy to others by giving them gifts. I'm thankful for the music that goes along with the season. But most of all, I'm thankful for Him whose birth we celebrate at Christmas--our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. That tiny baby, born in such humble circumstances, who had such an important mission to fulfill--without Him, we would be lost.

So here's to a wonderful Thanksgiving season which leads us into a wonderful Christmas season!