December 22, 2016

December 22, 2016

Dear Family,

We wanted to share with you how your generosity has helped to bless the lives of so many here in the Cuernavaca Mexico Mission and in the Pintotep District.  We know that this was a sacrifice for you to give and to give so generously and caringly for people you will never know, but we were blessed to witness on your behalf the smiles, the gracious gratitude, and the Savior’s love working to “Light The World” for so many this Christmas season here in Mexico

Some of the money donated has been spent to purchase new suits for two of our elders whose suitcases with suits inside were lost on a recent bus trip to a mission conference, and tons and tons of socks, shoes, and new shirts and ties.  All of the clothes donated were given to the elders and sisters throughout the mission who were especially needy and would be without this Christmas.

We also spent some of the money to help provide a District Christmas party.  The District Relief Society President had been given the assignment to plan the party with a budget of zero…there were no funds available for this get-together, and the people are so poor that most come to a “pot luck” dinner without any contribution to make for it.  So we gave Hermana Florida sufficient money to purchase what she needed to make their very favorite soup, pozole.  It was delicious and abundant!  With some of the donated money we provided the jello with fruit makings, the chocolate chip cookies, the popcorn balls, oranges for everyone, Ken’s yummy limonada by the gallons, and a Christmas tree and lights.  The very special part of the evening were the bulging baggies full of candies for the kids, which some of the elders in our zone helped to put together for FHE.  And the peppermint sticks were a huge hit!

The Christmas decorations you sent were used on the tables, and colorful reusable table coverings were purchased.  The CTR rings were given to the District Librarian to store for the next several years for the children as they turn 8 years old.  Our newly called District Sports Specialist was excited to receive a basketball and soccer ball for the tournaments he is planning.  And the felt Noah’s ark and animals sets will be used by the District nursery.

We heard comments about how nice it was to have table coverings and decorations and a sit-down dinner for their Christmas party, which is normally held outside with everyone standing and eating.  It was a beautiful evening, good food, and happy memories for all – truly the Christmas spirit was there as well.

Thank you each and every one for your thoughtful support of this effort…countless people have been blessed because of it.  You have helped to “Light the World” here in the Cuernavaca Mexico Mission.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EACH OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND

MAY THE “LIGHT TO THE WORLD” BE IN YOUR LIVES AND HOMES ALWAYS

Ken and Chrys

December 24

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What a great Christmas...we are shopping with our elders for sorely needed new shoes with some of the donated funds. Gracias a todos.

Our family tonight

Our elders are making the guacamole for dinner and the onions are strong enough to burn their eyes.  We are sad that elder Longobardi is leaving us on Tuesday for a different area.

Hey, all you people...WE got a skype call from Cameron Christmas morning which was such a FUN surprise!!!  And then in the afternoon we were able to be part of Spencers call to Holli for a few minutes.  It was so awesome to be able to see and talk to our missionaries.  Made for a special Christmas day.