Twas the Week Before Christmas

This past week has been full, though not all of the plans turned out as expected.  Tuesday, I was supposed to take the Faith in God children to carol to people in the ward.  The father of the largest family going, and driving, got stuck in a traffic jam and we only had two people show up.  I served the hot chocolate and cookies to them and anyone else at the church who was there  for other reasons.  I was able to participate in the Book of Mormon class and Craig gave a good lesson.  Wednesday night we were supposed to go caroling with the Relief Society, but it was raining so hard and the wind was so strong that it was cancelled.  We decided to take the sister missionaries with us to visit a family that needed a visit and it was a good experience.  Thursday night, we did go caroling with the YSA at Tesco a large grocery store. It was a good experience, but getting there was tricky.  The Sat Nav (British for GPS) took us right past the only entrance to Tesco, around the corner, up the road, and finally down a narrow alley that ended with a brick wall.  I find it strange that every large shopping center has only one access.  We did finally get there and we raised some money for a local charity with our singing.  One woman came up to us afterward and told us that our singing lifted her

All ready for Christmas

Craig taking a well earned rest.

spirits while she was shopping and she was grateful.  Friday night was our ward Christmas party.  We had a cute nativity by the primary and then a visit from Father Christmas.  Everyone was able to get their picture taken with him so of course I wanted a turn.  The pictures of the caroling and Father Christmas will be included later, because I am waiting for someone to e-mail them to me.   Saturday night was the baptism for a young women.  It was  a very nice evening.  Sunday, people gave us gifts at church and we all exchanged Christmas cards.  We have spent the last few days visiting people and delivering treats and trying to spread some Christmas cheer.  We do miss being with family at Christmas, but serving others is the best antidote for that.