December 28, 2011

Wow, in a few days it will be 2012. Where has the year gone?
We just celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for His atoning sacrifice in all of our behalf. I know that through his power and grace we can be saved in the Kingdom of our Father as families forever.
Last week we made cinnamon rolls and took them around to several families. We took some to the Bishop's parents who live in Portage.
We taught a new member lesson to a new convert, LaShawn.
We participated in "living Christmas cards." Members give a referral and write a card to give to the person they refer. The young men and women came with the missionaries, and we went to visit all the homes, (in five groups), giving them a "Joy to the World" DVD, the card, and singing carols to them. Our group had five families to go to visit. We went to visit Bsp. Hetes. I can't recall if I have mentioned him before, but his wife died years back and has become a recluse. He doesn't come out, and he doesn't let people in. We went a few weeks ago, and he came to the door, keeping it locked,  to visit. This night he came to the door and opened it. He sang with us. It was really tender. He was leaning all they way out watching us go down the driveway as we left. I was pleased.
Thursday night we had dinner with the Sayes. They are warm and gracious. He has been stake president, and she has taught seminary for seventeen years now, still going strong. All of their family lives within a few blocks of each other and are really close.
We took dinner out to the Schaffer family that day, also, among other things.
Friday we had a baptism. Two boys were baptized and they were confirmed on Sunday. We had dinner with the Kinghorn family...wonderful!!! We had a teaching appointment with the elders that night. We are out everyday meeting and visiting. I can't list everyone here. But, we are loving these good-hearted people and this experience. The economy of Michigan is 2nd lowest in the country right now and is 2nd only to Nevada. Their lives are generally difficult. Saturday we delivered chocolates we made and Ann Sharp's haystacks which we also made, to lots of people.
We were invited to several families for the holidays. Christmas Eve we spent with the Haley family. They have two cute little boys. I did not take the camera.Where was my brain??? We had a great time with them. The elders were there also. Sister H made a wonderful lasagna and Bro. H made fudge. Their kids were warm hearted and welcoming. We took our nativity cut outs to share the story.
Christmas morning we went to church where we had a short schedule. Several ward members brought us goody plates and breads. After church we went to the Anthony's house. They have four children and we had fun watching them open their gifts. They gave us a lovely fruit basket. Paul would have loved it. We had a great lunch. We came home for awhile and made some calls. Then we went to Sister Barnes, the RS president, house for dinner. It was also a good time. We learned a new game called golf. It was fun. We came home and called family and skyped with some of you. We were blessed as the computer was not working and it started finally. We love you all.
This  week is a big one. Sarah and Mark celebrated their ninth anniversary yesterday. Tomorrow is Sarah's birthday and Sunday  is Kristin's birthday. AnnMarie's birthday is coming up on the ninth. She will be eight and will be baptized some. We are happy for her.
I finally got my hair cut and dyed  yesterday. I look AWFUL!!! I'll be looking around for next month. I am very blond...something I do not want to be.
Today was district conference in Kalamazoo. We also had interviews with the mission president, Pres. Hess.
Afterwards we took off to go visit a young man who served a mission in the Idaho Pocatello mission a couple of years ago. He joined the church when he was fifteen years old and is the only member in his family. He has had a difficult time since he has been home. He is in pre-law at the college in Kalamazoo.
We had a good visit.
We went to another place where we had been asked to go, but got a rather cold reception. It was awkward. But that is not the first time that has happened.

Note the toe nails!

Elders Feron & West

Baptism

We went to twelve places altogether. We only got into a few, but they were good.

Sister Hess, Elder Rhodebush, Sister Jones, Elder Hunter, Elder West
at District meeting today.

Fine Lake, one of many fine lakes!

Family picture and letter wall...thank  you!!!

Christmas at the Anthony's

thanks, Cath!!!