Merry Christmas

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Being on a mission during CHRISTmas has really helped us focus a bit more on the non-commercial aspects of Christmas and “The Reason for The Season”. 

This year, we will celebrate Christmas Eve and with a Church family, the young Elders and Chevez.  We look forward to our annual tradition on Christmas Eve with them—the reading of the Biblical account of the Christmas story recounting the Old World account of Christ’s birth from Luke 2 and the reading of the Book of Mormon Christmas account that annotates the Christmas story to the New World.  Both testify of the birth of Jesus Christ, Savior of the World.  We are grateful the whole year through for His birth, His Mission and His Atoning Sacrifice for each of us.  We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones as you celebrate the joy and love that we feel in extra measure during this time of year.   

Our town the week is Tarbes....at Christmastime. And we have the promised pictures of our Branch’s Christmas dinner (last week).  Christmas dinner in this part of France is seafood appetizers ranging from smoked salmon and some humus toppings.  The main entrée is duck with orange and honey glaze with a variety of sides like gizzard salad, fois gras (goose liver), roasted chestnuts and the traditional yuletide log Christmas cake.  The side dishes vary depending on region and we had SO many selections, including several international dishes.  But it’s also fun being in an area where tradition runs VERY deep. 

Frère Pho (our Cambodian Sushi Chef) made sushi for everyone and Valerie (please note....a vegetarian......and another generous soul) made 2 roasted ducks so everyone could have their favorite main course.  Valerie, who could only stay an hour last Sunday and not be present for the dinner, brought 3 favorite traditional dishes. There are some economic challenges here and their generous contributions just filled the room with more Christmas Spirit.....true gifts of self.


Merry CHRISTmas to all.
A la prochaine.

Church art, from LDS.org


Sushi made by Frère Pho


 
Léo

Giséle

Marie







Marie-Line from Guadeloupe and Tatiana from Réunion Island

Our Elder's Quorum President doing all the dishes

Jana and Carole






































Art from the Internet

Comments

  1. RandDecember 25, 2018 at 7:00 AM

    Looks like you are having the time of your life in France. I would not be surprised if you decided to move there. Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownDecember 25, 2018 at 11:14 AM

    I totally understand how Christmas in the mission field is so much better in a lot of ways. You will always look back and consider it as the best time in your lives. And I am certain it won't be your last mission. Merry Christmas to you and God bless you!

    ReplyDelete

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