First off, THANK YOU to all of you who sent packages, cards, and warm thoughts my way this Christmas! It was lovely to hear from all of you, and to get so many useful things: warm clothes, toe warmers (they go inside my boots-- they're super cool!), kind thoughts and words, and love, love, love! I feel like I got a Vitamin B shot in the keister, or something! I'm very grateful for all your thoughtfulness. Thanks again.
It's been a wierd week. Working through Christmas has been different than I expected. People were too busy with cookies and the "traditions of their fathers" to let a couple of cold sister missionaries in the door. No room in the inn for us either, it would seem. Good thing we have an apartment! But it was a little disheartening, just the same. It sounds really missionary-like, but I really can't see anything of more worth, especially at this time of year, than a connection with God. All the joy in my life, all of it, connects directly back to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yup. The Atonement is pretty much the coolest thing ever. Done something stupid? Atonement covers that. Done something mean? Atonement covers that. Has someone done something stupid or mean to you? Atonement covers that. Ever feel not good enough, smart enough, or just plain not enough? Atonement covers that, too. Give Alma 7:11 a whirl:
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
It's the testimony that's in me, too.
Ok. On a not so missionary-minded topic: Check out our sweet Christmas tree! We didn't have any Christmas ornaments, an oversight on the part of Sister Bishop and I, but we had tons of mail from home. All the Christmas cards you all sent ended up all the crap all over our tree! YEA! Smartly dressed, is our tree. Yes indeedy. We enjoyed it quite a lot.
We spent Christmas Day on the phone with our families (woo hoo!), and at Bishop Lindner's house. It was good. We ate good food, had good conversation, que bueno. We even squeezed a few lessons about temple work and eternal families in. Pretty sweet, eh?
Here's an interesting note: While watching the snow fall out the window at bishop's house, what do we see? Snowmobiles, lots of them, racing in the snow. Rabbits ducking for cover, and crows picking at something dead along the side of the road. "Welcome to Wisconsin," I thought to myself, "Welcome." Tomorrow over venison steaks (from a dear shot by our mission leader's wife) we'll teach AJ about missionary work.
Yes, friends, Welcome to Wisconsin.
