Christmas Treats & the Gift (Week 16)

My study area -- across from my Sister Bernier's!

Hi Everyone,

Christmas was amazing.  I loved talking with my family on Skype, and I'm sure they loved it too.  I have to admit getting off Skype was the most homesick I've ever been on my mission.  Thankfully, it didn't last long.  I went and talked with Sister Holman until Sister Bernier was done with her Skype call.  She had some problems getting Skype working, so she started later than I did.

Brownies are ready to go!  (And, no, these are not Colorado "special" brownies.)

On the 23rd we made brownies (for Seanie, of course).  We planned to give them out to some investigators, less-active members, and recent converts on Christmas Eve and Christmas.  One of the pictures is of all the plates we prepared and another is the note we gave out with the brownies.

I want to thank everyone who sent me a gift or a card for Christmas.  Each of you made it a wonderful day.

Despite being the week of Christmas, we were able to make our goal of five lessons with a member present.  Yeah!!!

Even more treats to distribute!

We went to a baptism for a family in the Ocoee ward.  The baptism was great, but I think the service could have had more planning.  Sister Bernier and I agree that we are going to put more planning into Jason's baptism.  We want to make sure it is a good one.  Anyway, it is still planned for the 10th, but things can always move.  He needs to have his interview this week, since they need to have the interview about ten days beforehand.  I'll keep you updated next week about the baptism.

I've been thinking about eating healthier.  I need to stay away from milk.  I've been pretty good about staying away from dairy on big scales, but not so much on smaller ones.  I'll have butter here and there and chocolate a few times a week.  I've decided to go completely milk-free, and I'm hoping it will help me to feel better.  The reason I'm telling you this is because I need your help.  I love everything people send me.  However, I have been sent chocolate (which I absolutely love).  What I am asking of you is to not send me anything with milk in it.  If you could, that would be fantastic.

Non-dairy gifts for those we meet to remind all of the real gift of Christmas!

Miracle:  I think the highlight of this week was the Arald family.  Crowley said he read part of the chapter we gave them to read.  He didn't make it through the whole thing, but at least he was trying.  Also Crowley said he wanted to go to church.  However, their landlord was having someone deliver a fridge to their house, since the old one was broken.  Baron said Crowley could still go, but Crowley wanted to stay home to make sure he could help his dad when it came.  Baron is blind, so he needs a lot of help from his children.  Anyway, it was too bad he didn't come to church, but I admire Crowley for helping his dad.  Also Gundar said the opening prayer, and in it he thanked God for answering his prayer about the Book of Mormon.  After the prayer, I asked what the answer was.  He said it was that it was true and he knew because he had a good feeling come over him after he asked.  Crowley and Gundar are the youngest, but I hope they are good examples to their older siblings.

I love you all so very much, but I'm really happy to be a missionary.

-- 
~Sister Aurora Pack