Reflections This Holiday Season

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

This past week we were able to celebrate Christmas here in Norway!  Basically, every city here shuts down for the week.  

Norwegian traditions consist of dancing around the Christmas tree, opening presents on Christmas Eve, eating really really 

good food, and being with family.  It was my first white Christmas here as a missionary in Norway - believe it or not!

The highlight of the week was when I was able to Skype with my family on Christmas Day!  I got to see the two new little twin 

nieces my brother and sister-in-law had a couple of weeks ago!  I saw all my family, with exception of my brother Shane, who is 

serving a mission - that was one of the best Christmas presents that I received!

Since I will be going home soon, I have been asked several times if I would have liked to be home for Christmas.

I woke up Christmas morning to start the day just like any other missionary day by reading the scriptures.  As I thought about

how long I've been a missionary, I became extremely content.  There have been Christmases past where I would think, "If I were 

on a mission right now, would I be homesick?"  Of course I love my family, but this Christmas I thought about the privilege it is 

and has been to spend my days as a servant of the Lord.  It was one of the most satisfying Christmas gifts to know that I am 

representing the Lord this Christmas!

I have only one last Preparation Day until I am home.  It has been such a great blessing to be here in Norway! I thank
Heavenly Father every day that He has spent so much time on me to get me to where I am today!

Now for the start of 2015!!!