DECEMBER 24, 2008 WEDNESDAY — CHRISTMAS EVE

Today is December 24th, Christmas Eve. Since we’ve been caroling a lot, and we have had snow, it really does feel like Christmas, although not one like we usually have with all our family around. This evening we spent with the Schmid family and had a delicious dinner after which we sang songs and the Schmid kids got to open one present each. We finally left around 10:00 p.m. and listened to a tape of the prophets and general authorities bearing testimony of Christ in the van on the way home.

This morning we had our district meeting, I cut the hair of two missionaries and we went shopping for food for the Christmas breakfast tomorrow. Before we went to the mission home to be picked up by the AP’s to go to Schmid’s, we took a gift over to Pres. and Sis. Bolt. As we were going up the dolder bahn to the mission home the AP’s called and said they would be a little late. So, when we got to the mission home, we waited outside because we didn’t want to disturb Pres. & Sis. Matern and their family, but just before the AP’s got there, we knocked on their door and gave them a sunstone and a couple of hot pads (mittens) for their Christmas gift. Then we were on our way to the Schmid’s.

We did have one missionary contacting experience today though. When I went to the post office to get our packages from home, I saw that the outdoor market was going full blast at Oerlikon Bahnhof. Remember the person who I gave the Book of Mormon to who had a booth selling vinegar and olive oil? I walked through the market on my way back and found him. He immediately recognized me and we talked for awhile. I needed some gifts so I bought some of his fruit flavored vinegar dressings and he gave me a couple of extra as Christmas gifts. He’s a really nice guy. This is his busy season so he hasn’t had time to do much other than move his booth around from city to city. After the New Year we hope to get together and be able to teach him. The packages from home were way good. We thought it very special to get the cards and notes from the kids and we used them to decorate our apartment. We’ll show them off to our guests tomorrow morning. The vitamin C was good because we can use them to help Suki and Rolf with his quit smoking program. It’s almost impossible to get this kind of vitamin C over here. Thanks Monica, you’re a dear. Thanks a lot. We also received a gift from our neighbors, the Glassburn’s who are the nicest and best people you’ll ever meet.

Sorry, no photos today.