Sunday, December 7, 2014

Dear Family,

Another full week.  The days are getting busier.  This week we have engagements every night, some are more important than others.  But, back to this week.

Monday night we were invited to help a couple in our ward decorate their Christmas tree.  We were on a time schedule because of FHE.  They are a really nice couple who have not been able to have children so they like having missionaries in the home.  When we got there she had prepared a very delicious dinner and a set of elders were there also.  Needless to say the tree never got decorated.  A side note; this sister, Viviane Chapman was sustained as a counselor in the stake primary yesterday.  She walked up to the stake president, who was visiting our ward, and handed him a note.  A very surprised look appeared on his face.  No one had called her or asked her to take this position.  A big embarrassment.  

Went to FHE and saw a video on William Wadsworth Longfellow and the song I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.  It was a beautiful emotional video.

Tuesday night we went shopping for 50 elders and sisters that will not be receiving any gifts from their families.  We are giving them some cash, cookies and little gifts.  We have put them in gift bags with their names on the card.  It is sad to see that these great young people do not receive packages or letters. Amazing young people who come to serve without family.  They are all loved by us and give us so much joy.

Wednesday we had the golden review.  No greenies just goldens. The missionaries bring the new goldens (been here 2 weeks)  and are taught by the president and the AP's.  They have a late lunch afterwards.  We do set up, clean up and serving.  That night we went to the RS Christmas party.  A lady in our ward had a catering company for many years.  She did all the catering for the leaders and their guests in Austsralia, presidents, queen, dignitaries etc.
She also catered for the Church leaders when they visit.  We have eaten at her house several times.  Great food.  Anyway, she and two others did the food. It was one of the most elegant spreads we have seen and it tasted delicious.  Have any of you tasted passion fruit?

Thursday we cleaned, washed clothes and cooked most of the food for OUR Christmas party Friday night.  We made key lime tarts, a recipe from Sally Cox that was posted on Pinterest.  We also made pumpkin cake, yummy, french bread and a pasta dish.  It was bow-tie pasta, broccoli, dried tomatoes.  It is so good and also Adrienne found it on Pinterest.  Everyone loved the food.  We had the house so festive with music, candles and just had a fun time.  We played Christmas charades.  We had heard of some songs, films and book and some we had never heard of but it made the game fun.

Saturday was the ward Christmas breakfast.  They are very very casual here.  No decorations and no Christmas tree.  The Bishop, who is wonderful, came in bermudas, a sweatshirt and Santa hat.  Many of the children came in their pj's and looked like they had been dragged out of bed. BUT the people are great and we love them.  They treat us so good.  We left the party and went to our favorite shopping mall, Chadstone. We have had so much rain that our walks have been put on hold.  So walking the mall for 2-3 hours is our excercise.

The creme de la creme was going to see Les Mis last night with the Maxwell's.  It was an excellent production.  The star was from London and had a great voice.  He has been nominated in London for many awards for his singing and acting.  We met him after and he was charming.  Love English accents.  Fantine was played by an LDS woman.  Her aunt and uncle serve in the mission office with us. She was very good.  She will be singing at the stake Christmas program next week.  

Hope our families are reading the gospels.  We sent you all bookmarks from the mission.  It is the story of our Savior.

In closing;    
     "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
       Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
       For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."       Matthew 11: 28-30

We love you all,

Adrienne and Dee Dee or The Moms or The Grandmas


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