The miracles continue during this Christmas season

We're used to snow during this time of year. It's so warm, it's not so easy getting into the holiday spirit. Sister Martin took a picture of this big Christmas tree at the local bank.

In contrast, this cute little tree in our apartment, left behind by one of the other senior couples who lived in this apartment before us. Sister Martin set these up to create a little Christmas cheer in our temporary home on Guam.

And then she posted the cards we are starting to receive from children and Grandchildren.

And more gifts like this little tree and other things from family are hung up to beautify our apartment.

Interesting note: The news reported that real pine trees from the states were arriving around Thanksgiving time. The commercialization of Christmas even here on Guam is dramatic.

Of course, Christmas is really all about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. The following link to a video called, "He is the Gift" helped us focus on Christmas in a better way. He is the Gift


And then we were privileged to attend a baptism. Sister Misanale and Sister Warner have been teaching a Pohnpeian family. The teenage sister of the three teens who were baptized spoke at the event and gave a wonderful talk on baptism, in both English and Pohnpeian language. She was baptized in February.

We went over to the Governor's house/grounds on Guam to see the Christmas lights display. It is only a few minute drive from the mission office. 

 We had a fun walk around the lights display. It's the only time I have ever sweat while looking at Christmas lights. 86+ degrees. Warm is nice but I enjoy a colder climate, especially at Christmas.

This is a beautiful fake tree. Trees don't lose their leaves on Guam. 

Ah Oh. Elder Hunter fractured 3 fingers doing a hand stand or something like that. Will that slow him down? Not a chance. I noticed doing the gas receipts that he and his companion love to walk. He only filled up his car with gas one time over the past month. Others have several fill-ups. I'm always training the leadership to encourage everyone to slow down. President Zarbock teaches that if we go slower we can wave to people and make more friends. He has also begun "Walking Wednesday" where they park the cars and walk. Elder Hunter has just taken this council to a different level. Perhaps it just depends on the preference of the missionary.

We were blessed that four sisters came over for Sunday dinner. They are all dedicated missionaries with magnetic personalities. Definitely great assets to the Lord and his great missionary work.

Sister Kuau (from Vanuatu), Sister Mika (Australia), Sister Baum(US), Sister Orrock(US) 

Sister Misanale shared these photos in southern Guam on their P-day

Sister Warner with the Carabao (Water Buffalo)

We enjoyed seeing two small miracles in the office the other day. One new missionary was having difficulty getting his government permit and was about to fly back to Guam because the allowable 30 days was expiring. They went in and met with officials and they decided to give him more time to get his paper work completed.

Another missionary forgot his permit in his apartment. The airport authorities somehow let him on the plane anyway. These miracles don't always happen. But the Lord's work continues to move forward at a rapid pace. These particular missionaries must have had a special reason to be, or to go where God needed them to make a difference. LDS missioanries share a wonderful message. We recommend all take the opportunity to listen to it. And even if you have heard it before, invite the missionaries back and perhaps invite a friend to join you.