We missed Zack and Daniel yesterday, because they were both working when we called. But Zack, your present was the best we received, a little bit like deja vu when Nick stuffed his missionary papers in your mother's stocking! I am sure we will all be blessed just the same. PS: Don't forget the RV!!!!
We enjoyed seeing all of you yesterday. What a marvel technology is, even with a little feedback on the microphone. But when we finally realized that we could call on vonage while watching the video, everything was perfect.
We had a great time with all of the missionaries and the senior couples yesterday. We were planning on going to the mission conference for a little while and then going out to dinner as a group, but after talking to our mission president, he seemed a little disappointed but supported our decision nonetheless. So we reconsidered our plans and stayed through the whole program, and we were so glad we did. Who wouldn't trade a steak dinner for the spirit of Christ? We watched "It's a Wonderful Life." We played games, sang songs, listened to poetry and sweet testimonies. Sister Cranney, the mission mom, had spent weeks preparing handmade meatballs and chicken nuggets. The senior sister missionaries, helped by making up four big sheets of seven layer (walking taco) dip. There was plenty of fruit and a wonderful fruit dip. Lots of other stuff and some great desserts.
A few missionaries playing UNO with Elder Monson looking on.
Mom with Mary Monson
Sister CranneyToday, we are headed for Rosinka for our day with the Gibbons and the Madsens. Mom is baking brownies with a recipe she got off the internet. She is missing vanilla, but will throw in a Snicker's bar to compensate!
We didn't get any of our packages, but not to worry, nothing could have been better than the cards and your sweet expressions. We will probably get the packages when we get back from Tallinn.
We didn't get much of a white christmas. It sleeted on us a little as we made our way home last night, but it looks more frosty outside than snowy. Again, it doesn't matter, because we have been enjoying the snow, most of the time, ever since we got here.
Mom bought me a pair of slippers and I am going to give her some money to shop in Tallinn.
We have had a wonderful Christmas season. Talking to all of you was like having a great feast set before you and getting to take only a few bites. It is so good that all you do is talk about how much you would have liked to have had more!!
On a sadder note, I talked with my friend Bob, in California and he has been diagnosed with colon cancer. He has already had his surgery and seems to be doing fine. The doctors are very optimistic that they discovered his cancer in time. He had 17 lymph nodes taken out, only one had any trace of malignancy. He is and will continue to undergo chemotherapy for the next four months. Remember him in your prayers. Bob and I have been best friends since we were freshman in high school, two skinny little kids running cross country. He is a wonderful person and a great friend.
Our good friends the Monson's were back from Nizhney, for the conference. They were our next door neighbors. Unfortunately, on their way to the conference, while on the metro, he had his wallet stolen. Interesting that I just mentioned this possibility a post or two ago. He was able to cancel his cards, but lost about 5,000 rubles or $200 in cash. It didn't kill his indomitable spirit though, he was our Father Frost.
Mom thought he would do for a picture with Santa!
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