Merry/Happy Christmas/Boxing Day!
It is such a wonderful time of year, isn't it? I hope you all had a very merry Christmas and that you have a Happy New Year as well. I really do hope that. I'm not just saying it.
First of all: Thank you! There were so many of you that contributed to me having a wonderful Christmas. I am sorry I couldn't add to more of yours.
Well on to the week.
We ate dinner at the Papenfuss' home on Monday night because their daughter Chelsea felt bad that we couldn't come over for Christmas. We read the Mormon Missionary version of Green Eggs and Ham (much to the dismay of Bro. Papenfuss because he said he came up with that idea on his mission.)
One of our investigators wanted to meet Tuesday morning, so we ended our study early, met with her, then finished our companion and language study at the Delray Public Library. It was actually kind of fun. It is a nice building. Then we had to go out to eat lunch, so I finally got to eat at Checkers. It is a drive-through only burger place that is really really good. Just so you all know. Then we taught some interesting lessons (i.e. Law of Chastity to Scott w/Sis. Smith there and awkward apologies said to us but directed at other people in the room.) Yay for being a missionary.
We also found a neighborhood where there are people from so many different cultures, I lost count. But at least 5 different languages (it was like walking thorugh Wal-Mart). Unfortunately, I was feeling similar sentiments to a certain missionary in South Africa when he said "I hate White People." I don't really hate them, but they seem to hate us. I am still confused why people would say, "No, I don't need a blessing." At least no one called us arrogant this week.
Members are super awesome. We have so many investigators with so many needs, it is incredible how the ward members can step in and take care of things and that they would do such service. Chip Bunnel, who teaches the Gospel Principles class let us have a lesson with Scott in his home. He picked him up and brought him over. Then after the lesson, he offered him some work, gave him some fancy coconut water, invited him over for Christmas, and drove him home. So amazing! That is the kind of member I want to be.
Sister Hawkes and I finally got to see this very less-active sister they used to visit all the time. I met her for the first time on Thursday - that's how long it has been. She is not doing well and has a very hard life. Lots of bad things are piled on her right now, but her outlook makes it even worse. There are so many active members I have met that have the same problems or worse ones, but their lives are better because they can focus on Christ and have hope that they will get through the trials. If only it were easier to make people see the joy that comes from living how God wants us to live. But I guess that's why it is called missionary WORK.
Because it is Christmastime, we were able to go caroling at Sis. Lolos' Tree Lot on Friday night and to Sister Archie's neighbors this morning. And of course, we sang at every house we went to on Christmas eve and Christmas Day. We sing a lot, actually. That's why I am so happy I got a mini-hymn book! Thanks again!
Thursday was super exciting. We had MISSION CONFERENCE!!! All of the missionaries in one place + lunch + musical numbers from each zone (We sang Once In Royal David's City again and I played the violin) + a white elephant exchange (I got a florida oven mit!!) + a video of Elder Holland bearing down in pure testimony + Mail = a truly awesome day. Seriously though, it was fantastic. I didn't know anybody there, but it was great.
On Christmas Eve, we went to the Somma Family's home. They are Italian/Brazilian so needless to say we ate very well. They also had some inactive/nonmember friends there that we were able to talk to. We told lots of jokes and laughed at the language miscommunications (Bro. and Sister Somma are still working on English). They gave us presents from Brazil which we opened White Elephant style, but they were pretty gender specific gifts. Somehow, a few elders ended up with jewlery and the other sisters ended up with t-shirts, but everyone was happy. I have several Brazillian necklaces now. woot.
We ended Christmas eve by sitting around our tree and reading the Christmas Story out of the Bible while playing MoTab in the background.
And despite the fact that I am 22 years old, I still couldn't sleep the night before Christmas. It was just too exciting! We got up at 6:30 (as usual) and opened all our presents from the ward and from our families. Sister Spjut and Sister Buckley were opening presents for over an hour. We ate sweet rolls then got ready, rounded-up some investigators and went to church. Lots and lots happened, but the best part was: ANTHONY was CONFIRMED!!! Finally!
Then we went to the Lieber's home for Christmas brunch (pancakes, eggs, bacon), read Luke 2 and watched their kids open presents. It went by pretty fast but was awesome to see their excitement. They gave us socks, too! (I know, missionaries get excited about random things. Such as the toilet paper the ward gave us. Yay!)
We sang at a rest home to some old ladies, then went to the Taylors for Christmas Dinner. That's where I called home. They fed us very well and sent us home with more presents/food.
Then we visited Sister Olsen, sang to her, and watched Joy to the World with her.
Then we went to Patricia's house and had dinner with her and her Husband Jorge. It was a lot of fun. He made empanadas and they both talked forever. We got to show them pictures of our family and sing for them, too. She gave us each a bracelet she made and sent us home with the extra empanadas. If only she would get baptized...
Speaking of: Scott is scheduled to be baptized on Saturday. Please pray fo him to have the strength to quit smoking! I know he can do it, but the more prayers the better.
This morning, we went over to the Archies for Waffles and Ice cream again. Then we took some to the neighbors. She gave us food before we left, too. Going to wal-mart was almost entirely pointless!
Wow. That was a lot. And now it is late.
I hope you all have a wonderful end of the year. Happy New Year's! Make smart choices to end the year off right!
Write to me!
Have a blessed week.
-Sister Sheffield
P.S. Enjoy the pictures from Christmas!
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