Happy New Year!

 

One of the many beautiful Nativity scenes we have seen this year.

Argentines may not do much to do with Christmas in the lead up but their homes frequently feature the birth of Jesus. 

It's been a while since I sent out a blog. I have to be inspired to have something to say. 😅

On January 5, we will be here six months, as missionaries almost seven months. Time flies. The folks leaving the mission in April, three couples, are all starting the process of setting up their lives at home. 

Every couple in this group of senior missionaries has an amazing story to tell about how they got here. Many miracles and tender mercies, just like us. We know that we are blessed to be sent here and taken in by these lovely people. They continue to teach and inspire.

Added December 30. A couple of days ago, one of the senior couples traveling by bus, had one of their phones stolen. A traveler elbowed Elder Richardson's chin, grabbed his phone, jumped off the bus and into a car that had pulled up next to the bus. Elder Richardson had both of his hands on the phone at the time, keeping track of the bus stops. We were told when we first got here that this type of theft is rampant here but dang ... Elder Richardson is fine. The hassle of getting a new phone and protecting whatever data you can has been stressful, not to mention the trauma. We are all grateful nothing worse happened. 

Mike is still working from home. That is, he's working from home waiting for the information he needs to complete the two projects he's working. 

Our understanding is that starting yesterday (began writing this December 24), the paid employees are not in the office. They work from home because they get paid for these days but go no where near the office. They won't be back into the office until January 5. We are doing the same. Other senior missionaries travel during this time. It's strange how we love it here but we are not anxious to see the sites. Yet. 

Others like one of our colleagues in the legal office, take the whole month of January off. It's the norm for Argentina. People allow their vacation and sick days build up so they can do that. 

Also, a lot of the paid employees do not live close to the office. It's too expensive. The legal department administrative assistant, Yale (pronounced Shy-ell) and her husband have six children and live in house with a yard as opposed to an apartment. She takes the bus to work and it's a two hour ride. One way. 

Christmas here is very different overall. On the night of the 24th, they begin eating at midnight. When the meal is over, families go together to relatives and neighbor's homes to wish them Merry Christmas. No one gets to bed until about 4:00 a.m.

Yale has decorated our office so beautifully! 

On the main floor, you see this:

Our little tree is kind of sad looking but I'm glad we got one. It's nice to be able to sit in the living room with only the tree lights. Great way to relax and ponder. 

Before we arrived on our mission, my son Ben, and his wife, Dhana, were in Germany on vacation. He sent me a photo of a young woman's missionary placque hanging in the Dresden, Germany, ward. She was called to serve here in Buenos Aires North mission. We have a connection to the BA North mission so with a friend's help, I met her last Sunday. She is so adorable! She speaks flawless English, German and she's from Spain originally so her Spanish is great too. 

Before we arrived, we were assigned a ward to attend. Last Sunday, since I was going to meet this cute sister who is serving in a different ward than we are assigned, I didn't attend our regular ward. In the ward I attended, a 12-year-old boy offered the benediction. He's the one on the right in this photo. Cannot decide if he looks like a junior businessman or future lawyer. Both of these boys helped to serve the Sacrament and their smiles tell the story of happiness. 

We had a lovely Christmas Devotional a couple of weeks ago in the Area Office. The choir is small but really good. They even had a violinist accompany them. The whole devotional included each of the four countries in the area presenting musical numbers via closed circuit TV. It was really special. 

This time of year causes us all to reflect on our relationship with Jesus Christ. I know that God, our Heavenly Father, lives. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior, Redeemer and teacher.

A teacher years ago taught a valuable lesson every time he refered to the Savior. His preferred way was to call Jesus "the Master". He said, "We want Jesus to be the master of our lives, don't we?". Yes, Brother Clark, we do. I do. 

Love you and miss you all!