December 4, 2017

Dearest Spence:

How are you sweet missionary of mine?  How has your first few days out in the actual field been?  Where is your companion from?  Is he a native Spanish speaker?  Anxious to hear all about everything.  Does it feel to you like it is almost Christmas with the weather being warmer there?  

We got our first snow today.  The grass is mostly covered--can still see the tips of the blades poking through the snow--all the pavement is clear though.  So far, this winter is SLOW in starting.  The kids are anxious to go skiing but Snowbasin is not yet open.

Yesterday (Saturday) we hung lights outside, and boy did I wish you were there.  I got up on the roof to hang the dangling white lights, and thought of you doing it--you would have been proud of me.  I was amazed how slippery the roof was on those metal shingles.  Many people drove by and thought I was a bit crazy.  I just thought of my Mom in heaven looking down and saying, "Lorinda, get off of that roof!"  The height didn't bother me, but I kept thinking it would be nice to have a rubber suit to grip onto the roof a little better.  Nathan got up on the roof to be my assistant.  Poor guy wanted to hang the lights but I wouldn't let him get anywhere near the edge--maybe when we get back from Ghana.  :)

We've worked hard this weekend to get the trees decorated and all of the Christmas decorations out.  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. :).  Tomorrow I'll clean up boxes and put them away.

Last time we communicated it was Thanksgiving. Did you all do anything for Thanksgiving, or is that not observed in Argentina?  As you know, one of the things that I am very Thankful for regarding Thanksgiving is that I don't cook for several days after and that was definitely true this year.  I cooked like we were feeding the entire family and that the entire family would be around to eat left overs.  We just finished the last of the pie on Friday--a week old but it still tasted good, and we've had LOTS of turkey sandwiches for lunches.

December 4, 2-Last week I spent a lot of time working on school applications for RJB and NJB and will hopefully complete them this week.

RJB had several swim meets this past week and is quite the fish.  She swims on the fastest OHS 4x100 free style girls relay team, and continues to improve with her times.  I love watching her swim.

NJB wants to participate in a story telling event sponsored by the district.  He and a friend got together on Friday after school and started a lovely story but they have hit a writers block-- I hope the finish soon.  He also auditioned for a solo in a play that he and a group of kids are writing for the school.  He got a small part and was very disappointed because he anticipated getting a big part.

NJB your Dad and I went to the Christkindlmarkt in SLC on Friday evening.  It was packed, and was sooo "gemutlich" (cozy)--it was like being in Germany.  I saw Sister Uchtdorf directing people to various bratwurst vendors.  I also ran into Sister Melanie Rasband (elder Rasbands wife)  I chatted with her for a few minutes.  She mentioned that her husband was waiting in an office and I thought of all that the 1st presidency and the 12 sacrifice in serving--not only their time talents, but also their anonymity is sacrificed.  They can't go anywhere public without being followed, watched, mobbed--it would be hard.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, I did a 5K Santa fun run with Heather, Elizabeth, and Caroline Gottfredson and Andrea Callister in downtown Ogden.  There were a few hundred participants all dressed in Santa suits.  It was so much fun!!!  Back in NYC I had always wanted to do the New Years Run in Central Park but never did and regret it to this day so when Heather invited me I jumped at the chance.  Your Dad and the kids came down to cheer us on.  I was proud of us old ladies as we jogged the entire way after not having run for YEARS.  RJB, NJB, your dad and I went to the Messiah Sing Along.  I love listening to the music and vocally and ALL OVER THE PLACE, but generally hit the right notes for the Altos in the last measure of the piece, so at least finish strong. :)  David and Ais were supposed to join us but ended up having car problems so we met them at temple square afterward.

Oh, you know how I take care of Grandpa on Fridays.  The Friday, Nov 24, I was at his place.  He wanted to work independently on some things so I went upstairs to his room to clean through some more things--I call it treasure hunting--and found some great treasures--grandma's passport from when she served her mission, some old photos, and JACKPOT--a diary of Grandpa's from when he was 15.  He was very social.  I'm transcribing it and it seems like he went dancing a lot and had many a young lady he was interested in.  I've asked him about a few things and have been amazed that he has remembered and been able to share more details.

I got together for lunch this past week with a less active sister who has two daughters of YW age, but who have never come.  I wanted to get to know the Mom a bit better.  I was impressed by the challenges she has overcome in life and also so grateful to have the blessings of the Gospel in our families life.  It makes such a difference.  At the end of the day belief is a choice and once we act on that belief (aka take a step of faith) we begin to notice all the blessings God has in store for us--(think Alma 32, one of my all time favorite chapters of scripture), but it is only when we are willing to humble ourselves and take a step into the dark that the light is then revealed.

I love you so much Spencer!  I hope that things are going well for you.  Remember to love your companion and the people you serve, it will make all the difference!  You have many many many prayers uttered for you daily ascending heavenward.

LTIABABA

Mom