Merry Christmas to all and have a Happy New Year 2019! Being senior missionaries has its perks in many ways, but being able to come home for Colton and Anne’s wedding and the holidays is the best yet.
On Friday, December 21, we took an Uber to the Laredo Airport to fly to Utah. Because our missionary assignment is teaching seminary and institute, we are “off” for the holidays along with schools. The little Laredo airport is quite a contrast to the monoliths of terminals in Dallas. We took trains to our terminal for the flight to SLC. We had left our winter clothes in SLC, so we were happy to get into coats and warm outerwear once in Utah’s ice and snow. As we crossed the street to our car rental, familiar faces greeted us from a car window. It was the Bodily family from Laredo! Small world!
When we got to the house and began talking into the morning hours, we realized that it was VERY cold—for INSIDE the house. Jim tried to get the furnace (quite new, BTW) going to no avail. I insisted that he call our service people so that they could get to the furnace first thing in the morning. Luckily, we are on a maintenance plan, and they sent a serviceman immediately. He worked on the furnace for a couple of hours, replaced a part, and left us with a house that would soon be warm enough to sleep in. Luckily downstairs was retaining heat, and most of the family didn’t even know the drama that was going on all night.
Attending sacrament meeting at our home ward in West Valley was a great reminder of the many musical talents that bless us here. The magnificent choir had 34 singers, two accomplished accompanists (Brother Gubler on the organ and Brother Magee on the piano), plus Sister Allen on the flute. The music was heavenly. Sandy Tyson is the choir director (and probably wrote the program). It was beautiful! I especially liked “And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful!” It was an awesome start to the Christmas holiday.
Christmas Day was calm and sweet. Cameron was very excited to get a karaoke machine, three Harry Potter games, and a ukulele. It was fun to watch his reaction—just like still having a child in the house. Mostly he was thrilled to have us at home.
Our family party was on Thursday, December 27, the 69th anniversary of my mother’s birth. We had such fun playing the Saran-wrapped-ball game! One ball for the little ones, one for the teens, and one for the adults—each full of prizes, gift cards, and money. Donny snatched the big prize right out of Anne’s shaking hands and took home the big money. “Baby Macie” had a bag full of prizes she dragged around all night. So that the contents would not spill, I taped the bag before they left. Macie said, “Grandma, I’m sorry I ripped it.” Ha, ha. Everyone was a winner. It was great to be together this Christmas.
The morning of December 29 dawned, crisp and cold. Devastation set in when Colton could not find his marriage license. He was beside himself as the minutes clicked by. The Temple assured him that they could NOT be wed without it. After they had searched everywhere, we sent Bryce to the new apartment in Provo to search through boxes and folders, in case Colton had accidentally packed it. Just in the nick of time, Bryce called to report success! He was able to get to the temple in time, and the day was saved. The ceremony was sweet and beautiful as these two special people covenanted and promised their lives to each other for now and eternity together. Pictures to follow. The luncheon and reception were simple and fun.
We were thrilled to see friends and family and join in the wonder of Christmas in snowy Utah. However, we are not sad to return to a much warmer, greener new year in south Texas! We LOVE teaching the special young people in Laredo and assisting in building the Lord’s Kingdom in the Texas McAllen Mission. We love being in the middle of the excitement of building a new stake. We are happy for the Orozco Family who were also sealed on Saturday in the Salt Lake Temple. What blessings are coming to the faithful members in Laredo! Bishop Orozco is the new bishop of the Laredo Second Ward and a diligent servant in strengthening the youth. Every day he shows up at early-morning seminary to bring, encourage, and bless the lives of our students!
Early tomorrow we get on the plane and head back to the mission field. We are counting our many blessings, including all of you. We love you all. We are reminded constantly of the urgency in preparing ourselves and the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Repentance is a gift that we can partake of because of Christ’s infinite atonement. Our prayer is that we all partake of the gift.
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