Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Paniqui, Tarlac,

Phipppines

23 December 2009

Every Wednesday we have the opportunity to attend the missionary development meeting with the young Elders and Sisters and during the most recent meeting we were asked to help them with their Paniqui Zone Christmas presentation for the Mission Zone Conference to be held December 23rd in Tarlac. They had prepared a script and assigned parts to all eighteen missionaries in the zone then asked us to be the grandparents (type casting!) and narrators in the skit. The Grandfather told the story to his grandchildren that when he went on a mission as young man, they still had to work hard on Christmas day. The missionaries did a great job through songs (Called to Serve) and scenes that depicted working hard, even though being far from home and a little homesick on a special holiday but continued to work faithfully and finally found a golden family that made this their best Christmas day ever (Joy to the World!)

We had a great time practicing and singing with them and learned a lot from their example of diligence and obedience in following mission rules and being blessed for the commitment. At the end of the practice we gave them each (12 Elders, 6 Sisters) a little stocking filled with treats from Santa. As you can imagine, Wednesdays are one of our most favorite days of the week!

We also got to participate in a skit that just the “Senior” couples presented so it was a really fun Zone Conference. President and Sister Puzey helped us all to focus on the birth and especially on the life of the Savior. He is the Light of the world and through his teachings and example has brought the only true light to all mankind. His Light will give us understanding and lead us to follow the Savior’s example to help us endure to the end.

We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season.

Elder NB & Sister MB