It Snowed this Week!

Just to be clear, we should point out that the snow was in the US, not the Philippines. It did rain here though with temperatures in the low 80's and humidity in the high 80's. There were also periods of sunshine and clouds.  For those who wonder what Lehi meant when he said that without opposition "all things must needs be a compound in one" (2 Nephi 2:11), he could have been describing the climate here. Even though we don't miss driving in snow and ice we miss the change of seasons and look forward to seeing snow again.

December departing batch.

Speaking of seeing snow again, we said goodbye to 17 missionaries - several of which are returning to snow. Two of our sisters flew home to Rexburg, Idaho where the temperature was reported as -6 degrees Fahrenheit. That is like going from the frying pan into the freezer. We sure do wish all of our returning missionaries the best as they reunite with family and friends.

Missions change missionaries in many ways. They never return home the same as they come. Elder Mapel left his suit coat in the mission home when he arrived here two years ago and tried it on again this week.

This fit two years ago.

Here are pictures from the batch's final meal together at Army Navy.

 

Karla, our daughter, sent us a Christmas package last year that didn't actually arrive until February or March of this year so we saved the envelopes with the 12 Days of Christ-mas to open for Christmas this year. Each one contains a special Christmas message. The first one was opened on December 14. This happens to be the shared birthday of our granddaughter, Janica, Sister McNett's brother, Mark, and Elder Head, who was with us in the office and went home last August.

12 Days of Christ-mas

This has been a good way for us to take a moment each day and ponder what Christmas is really about.

We made it to a mall on Saturday which was a HUGE mistake due to traffic congestion but got a nice picture of the Christmas tree there. It felt like every person in Cebu was traveling on Saturday.

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hope that all will take time to enjoy the season with family and friends.

(Sorry for the poor quality but this picture was taken quickly from a moving car in the heart of Cebu by 'someone' who was driving and shouldn't have been taking pictures. Look closely at the sign on top of the red jeepnee and remember to #lighttheworld)

Thought for the Week

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given"
Isaiah 9:6