Week 98: December 22-28, 2019


Christmas is a time of good cheer, a time to remember others, a time to reflect on the Savior and His example of love.  Ancient wise men sought Him.  Do we seek Him now?

Being a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a wonderful way to show gratitude for our blessings and a unique opportunity to serve others.  We are thankful to serve as the finance coordinator and mission nurse.  Our hearts have enlarged with a greater capacity to love and to lighten the burdens of those around us in Florida.  We come in contact with so many good people.

Sister Ekenstam from the mission office is out of the hospital!  She came into the office for a few hours several days this week.  Early in the week, Sister Faulk took her in a wheelchair for a stroll around the pond at her apartment. 

We spent Christmas day with friends, Craig and Susan, in Leesburg.  We enjoyed a delicious ham dinner then went for a boat ride on Lake Griffin to spot gators and indeed we saw a few.  Craig and Susan are genuinely caring people who love the Lord.  They are true disciples of Jesus Christ.  We have a family tradition of reading about the birth of Jesus either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Elder Faulk read scriptures in the Bible about the nativity Christmas evening.  It was quiet and peaceful, a great time to reflect on the day and to appreciate each other.  
Merry Christmas with Carol and Reed, Sister and Elder Faulk, and Colleen and Mark:

Watch out for gators:

Christmas cheer:

Friday Sister Faulk taught Health and Happiness to our newest missionaries.  They arrived in Orlando less than a month ago and had a few weeks to settle in.  She discussed nutrition, exercise, rest, and mental health to the group then taught women’s health to the Sisters.  Afterward we had a lunch of pizza, salad, grapes, and ice cream.   Sister Bair is in charge of the meals and makes a big effort to have everything look luncheon worthy. 
Elder Faulk brings dessert:

We spent Saturday organizing the house.  It is such a blessing to be here.  Sister Faulk made banana bread and took it to neighbors on both sides, behind, and across the street to introduce ourselves and wish them a happy new year.

We wish all our family and friends a blessed and happy new year!  

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