Week 46: December 23-29, 2018


Wonderful!  Counselor!  The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace!  It is wonderful to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.  Christmas is that special time of year where throughout the world hearts are softened and we think of others more than ourselves.  His invitation to come follow Him is offered with love and eternal life. 

This is our first Christmas during our mission.  We celebrated His birth with our friends Susan and Craig, and Colleen and Mark.  They are extraordinary examples of love and service.  

Under the Christmas Tree at Susan and Craig’s: 

Christmas Presents from Grandma and Grandpa for Grayson, Abby, and Matthew:

Later in the week the senior missionary couples enjoyed a Mexican dinner and viewed neighborhood lights on decorated homes in Celebration, Florida.  It is fun to spend time together and support each other through monthly family home evenings, activities, and temple attendance.

Sr Missionaries at the Avocado Mexican Grill-Mantyla’s, Colson’s, Ekenstam’s, Kroeger’s, Faulk’s:

The mission president took the mission office couples hiking on a local trail, Shingle Creek, to look for alligators.  We didn’t see any gators but we saw native birds and enjoyed the nature walk.   Shingle Creek is 1 of 20 national state parks and conservation areas, and the headwaters to the Everglades.   The trail is less than 2 miles from our apartment. 

President Clark and Elders Faulk Ana Kroeger:

Sisters Faulk, Ekenstam, and Kroeger:

We are very blessed to have a temple in our mission and to attend the temple with missionaries who have served well and will be returning home soon.  While senior missionary couples may attend the temple as often as desired, the younger missionaries may not according to specific guidelines.  The desire to attend the temple is very apparent in these young adults.  Their missionary examples will linger as they will be remembered in Florida with love and gratitude. 

At the Orlando Temple with the Florida Orlando Sisters Missionaries:

The Orlando Temple at Sunrise:



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