We had the privilege of helping a large number of people in need of food through the local Food Pantry. The numbers have increased significantly since the cutback in food stamps.
Later we wrapped gifts in Wal-Mart for a donation to the Food Pantry. Our young Elders stood out front of us and called out to people. They sometimes sang and did tricks to draw attention. We brought in a lot of money in just a few hours, thanks to them.
Laurel made a comment to a recently activated man in the Branch about his bushy beard making him look like a real mountain man. The next time we saw him, he was clean shaven! Then Elder Ogden offered him a haircut by Sister Ogden, and he accepted. He asked for a haircut that was 1/4" all over. Quite a change from 4" long! Lynn gave him two white shirts and a nice tie, then taught him how to tie the tie and wear it so he wouldn't have to redo it. On Sunday several people told him how sharp he looked, and he just beamed! He is also reading in some old Ensigns we gave him and participates in the Gospel Principles lessons. It's really encouraging to see him making progress personally and in his gospel study.
Sunday evening a couple from the Branch came caroling with the four young Elders and us. We went to each house on our street, singing and leaving caramel corn and cranberry bread. Each one was so surprised and delighted that we came. It was very heartwarming.
It's been really nice getting to know all our neighbors, most of whom are widows or widowers.
Unexpectedly, our Monday before Christmas we spent the day taking an elderly lady in our Branch to the doctor and hospital for tests. She lives far out from town and is currently unable to drive. Then the young Elders from Blairsville, GA came over. Elder Hunt had been suffering with pain in his abdomen for a couple of weeks. We called a doctor in our Branch for some help. He is a radiologist. After many tests and intervening on Elder Hunt's behalf, he was able to determine the problem and get Elder Hunt scheduled for surgery. So the day after Christmas bright and early, we made the trek to the hospital. Now he is minus one of his parts (gall bladder) and feels much better. He is recuperating on our couch for a few days with his companion hanging out, too.
Christmas Eve we put on a dinner for a large group of people who would be alone for Christmas. We listened to Christmas music, played games, sang songs, ate a lot, and exchanged some gifts. It was a very nice Christmas Eve.
We are so grateful for the amazing gift of our Savior to mankind. We honor and praise Him in this season of remembrance of His birth. We pray each of you will enjoy a wonderful new year. We love you!!!
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| Building gingerbread houses. See our clothesline of Christmas cards and thoughts of wisdom. |
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| Enjoying Grandpa's gumdrop bread. |
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| Gift wrap booth for the Food Pantry. |
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| "Gift wrapping! Come right here!" |
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| Elder Austin Watson. |
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| Mixed flock of ducks led by a stray domestic white. :) |
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| Elder Kyle Hunt ready for surgery. |
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| Elder Hunt recuperating at our house. |
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| Hurray! Christmas game of Aggravation! |
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| Beautiful Christmas dinner table. |
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| Christmas sing along. |
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| Elder Ogden's Nativity scriptures. |
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| Elder Crestani's drinking straw glasses. :/ |
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| Elders Watson and Hunt sporting duck tape gift ties from Elders Bacon and Crestani. |
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| Give it the old Elder Ogden high five for killing my man! |
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| Remember the reason for the season. |
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