Christmas morning we had to get up early! But only because we wanted to open our presents prior to the Elders getting here for breakfast. Spencer gave me some great souvenirs and he received leather scripture cases. Most of the rest were goodies to share and a couple of calendars. It was a nice Christmas. But it wasn't the same as being home.
Merry Christmas to all of our loved ones:
This Christmas season is a time of reflection on our many blessings. We have had a wealth of wonderful experiences during the year of 2009 while continuing to serve as missionaries in Chiquimula and Esquipulas, Guatemala. Our primary responsibility has been to teach English classes at the CUNORI University in Chiquimula and in the church. We have made many wonderful friends and have been able to help many people increase their language skills in the English language.
Each Sunday and every other Saturday we are in Esquipulas where there is a very small branch of the church. We make regular visits to those who are less active and especially try to encourage brothers who have not yet received the Melchizedek Priesthood. Our visits have been well-received and we enjoy sharing gospel messages with them. This has also been an opportunity to make many friends. We also help with various responsibilities in the Branch, such as music, talks and teaching.
Every other Friday and Saturday we travel to Guatemala City on the bus and serve as temple workers for an evening and a morning shift. There is such a beautiful spirit in the temple. It provides a place and a time for us to reflect on why we love to serve the Lord in any capacity that is available. Our testimonies are strengthened and we feel blessed to be able to help the hundreds of saints who travel many hours by bus to come to the temple.
On occasion we are able to participate in other special events or undertakings. It is always a highlight when we are able to travel into the more remote villages and assist the groups of dentists who travel from the United States twice a year. They provide an invaluable service to these people. Their generosity is inspiring.
Our families and friends have been an ongoing resource for love and support. We miss you so very much, but we are glad to be serving here. We are thankful our families have been blessed in our absence. We pray for them every day. We know there are many challenges in life, but they are weathering the storms.
You are welcome to visit our blog at any time to look at pictures and/or read weekly (well, almost weekly) reports that we send to our families. spencerandjeanine.blogspot.com We love to hear from friends and loved ones—it helps us still feel connected to home. We pray that you will have a blessed and happy holiday season. Take time to reflect on the blessings we receive from our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is His birth and life we are celebrating. We owe everything to Him.
With love,
Spencer and Jeanine Brown
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