Christmas El Salvadorian Style

     We hope you all had a great Christmas and are looking forward to a fun New Year's celebration. Let us tell you about our Christmas here. It really started on the 23rd. Our Sacrament meeting set the tone for the next few days. I was able to sing a duet with Luciana Figueroa, The First Noel, with Rene on the violin playing Cannon D, and Sherilee at the piano. Then our bishop and a friend played a viola and violin duet, Rene on violin and Sherilee on piano and me on the organ did "O Holy Night" , Sherilee and Rene did a piano duet and a violin and piano duet. Our Bishopric each talked for about 10 minutes and the spirit was so strong. It was a great beginning.

 

Rene Hernandez, Sherilee Broadbent, and me.

     Sunday evening was our Stake Choir Christmas Devotional. Our choir performed above their ability. I got to sing "O Holy Night" with Rene on the violin and Sherilee at the piano. Luciana and I sang our duet again, we really blend well. I also sang "And He Shall Feed his Sheep" from the Messiah. It was an old fashioned Christmas program with a scripture read then a song to tell the Christmas story. We had children dressed as animals and Joseph and Mary come in as we sang the Friendly Beasts, which Rene and Sherilee translated from Engish to Spanish. It was a wonderful program and we had a great turnout to it. Afterwards, we had the Figueroa's over for an all American hamburger feed. They liked everything, but especially the cheese dip. I haven't found velveta cheese here yet, but cheese whiz works real well.

Monday morning, Elder Thompson and Elder Kitley got to go golfing with the Behner family again, Eric, Alex, and Andres. They went to the same course where Lon golfed a few months ago and had such a bad score. He improved his score by over 20 stokes so he felt good. It was a beautiful morning and they had a great time.

     We had a progressive dinner with all the missionaries at 6:00. We started at the Kitleys for ordurves, then to the Thompsons for salad. The Gibbons and the Walls furnished the main course, ham and funeral potatos and home-made rolls. On to the Petersens for dessert and our $5.00 gift exchange. Our evening ended about 10:00 pm and the Figueroa's picked us up and took us to their house for an El Salvadorian Christmas. Families start about 6:00 PM going from house to house wishing their family a Merry Christmas. There is always finger foods to eat and presents are left, usually a basket of food. One of the houses is the gathering place for the Christmas feast. We arrived at the Figueroa's with an hour to spare before the feast. They had a beautiful tree with not one present under it. We visited with their Aunt and two cousins and then at 11:00 PM dinner was served. We had roasted turkey and pork covered with a tomato based sauce. It had mushrooms and green olives in it. The rice had creme dulce, whipping cream not whipped, asparagus and two different cheeses. The salad is only made on the 24th of Dec and Mariela is the only one in the family with the recipe. It is shrimp, carrots, potatos, eggs, peas, onions and a sauce of creme dulce with mustard. Everything was delicious, just too much. This was our second dinner! 

     At the stroke of midnight, everyone hugs and wishes each other a Merry Christmas and the fireworks blast. They rocked the house. The sky was lit up all around. Still no presents?? About 10 minutes later. Grandma Gladys comes downstairs with a gift for the Aunt. She opens it and we sit around for another 10 minutes when Mariela, the mother, brings in a gift for her daughter Luciana. She opens it and again we sit around. Then another gift for the cousins. Paola left at 12:00. The teenagers have to stay with the family until midnight then they can leave for a few hours to celebrate with their friends. This was the routine for the next hour and a half, even the two dogs got their gifts.  We get home at 1:30 AM totalled. I really like our traditions so much better. On Christmas day, most just head to the beach to sleep and relax after being up all night. There is nothing planned for the 25th.

     Have a Happy new Year. We are celebrating at the home of the Reyes so we will send a letter after with pictures for you to see. It is supposed to be quite a house. We love you all Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma, Lon and Nancy

Merry Christmas Dear Friend

     I just have to share this with someone who will understand that I am not bragging or blowing my own horn, I truly believe that I am just a funeral singer, but the past week has been amazing!!!! Last Sunday was the Temple Worker's Devotional. Our Stake Choir sang two numbers and I was privileged to be asked to sing "O Holy Night" with Rene Hernandez on the organ and Sherilee Broadbent on the piano. The spirit was so strong. I was able to share my testimony to my fellow workers through music that I know my Savior lives and loves us. It was a wonderful gift to be able to give to these special people that I have come to love so much. I got asked again if I sang with the Tabernacle Choir. They just don't understand when I tell them that "no", I am just a funeral singer.

     On Friday afternoon I got an amazing Christmas present that I really needed. President and Sister Petersen decided that I needed to have more sleep so I would be ready for our Choir Christmas Devotional so they told Lon and I not to come into the temple before 7:00 AM on Saturday. Being on the AM Shift all week, I really was starting to wear down and those extra three hours were welcomed!!! I was able to come home at 12:30 and take a nap but poor Elder Thompson ended up there till almost 3:00. He was so tired. We had our dress rehearsal at 5:00 so he didn't get much of a rest.

      Sunday was the most spiritual Sabbath I can ever remember and I sang better than I can ever remember.  In fact, I'm not sure it was me at all. Sacrament Meeting started with Rene and Sherilee playing a piano duet. Then, our Bishop Figueroa and a friend did a viola and violin duet, WOW. Rene and Sherilee did a violin and piano duet and I got to play the organ, Sherilee on the piano, and Rene played "O Holy Night" on the violin. Luciana and I sang "The First Noel" with Rene playing Cannon D on the violin and Sherilee on the piano. It was fantastic because we had only practiced once because Luciana was at LOY (EFY) all week. The music was so amazing. Our Bishopric each spoke and the Christmas Spirit was so amazing. We didn't want the meeting to end. Then, I was in charge of our missionary Sunday meal. I had frozen the turkey carcass so I made home-made noodles. The Wall's weren't supposed to be here so we invited the full time missionaries and then the Wall's got home early with the Mendezes. So that pot of noodles ended up feeding 16 with a bowl left for Lon and I for dinner one day. Talk about loaves and fishes!

 

     Our Devotional started at 5:00. It was an old fashioned Christmas program with scriptures by the narrator followed by a song to tell the story of the birth of our Savior. Our choir never sounded better. Luciana and I again sang and it was perfect. I sang "O Holy Night" this time with Rene on the violin and Sherilee on the piano. It was the best I have ever sounded. It was powerful and the spirit was again so strong. It was a WOW moment for me. I also got to sing "And He Shall Feed His Sheep". After the program, President Petersen hugged me and whispered in my ear that he knows that I had been preparing for years to come here and testify of my Savior through music. I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father has given me this choice experience, not just to testify to others, but to feel the spirit so strong that my testimony has been strengthened also.

 

      I want you to know that I have a testimony of the power of the priesthood. When I was set apart, I was promised that my talents would be renewed and magnified. Wow has that ever come true. I love my Heavenly Father and I am so thankful for His Son and His redeeming sacrifice for me. Merry Christmas and I pray that your New Year will be filled with tender mercies and miracles for you and your family. May God bless you in all you do With all my love, Nancy

To Our Children

      Another year has past and it seems like the time just doesn't slow down. It has been a pretty good year and each of us have had changes and challenges in our lives. As we grow a little older each year, we learn to love our children more and more. It always hurts when we have trials, but need to know that the trials makes us learn and grow.

 

      Ginger has had challenges and changes with a big move and trying to find a new job and adjusting to her new life. She has been blessed and is doing an excellent job raising Jaikka. We enjoy our weekly Skyping and watching BSU.
 

      Tracy and Sarah are going through a challenge in trying to find a new job. It is scary now, but Tracy has been blessed to test well and will find a job soon. We go through trials to grow and develop. Sometimes we need to sacrifice but this brings happiness when the blessings come.

 

      Mindi also has new challenges. She is home a lot while Justin is working away from home. It's not easy, but sometimes we have to do what is necessary to feed our families. I worked away from home a lot to, but my wife did really well but had to sacrifice a lot and had to scrimp and save. I never found out many things until we came on this mission. Mindi, time goes by fast so hang in there and you will be where we are (old and sassie) before you know it.

 

      Shayla, you took on a responsibility which I don't know if I could have done. You and Justin are very special and are doing a super job of raising seven kids. That's amazing when Shayla didn't want a big family. It goes to show what a person will sacrifice and go through when a couple truly loves one another.

 

     We have four of the best kids in the world. You are so thoughtful, helpful, and loving in supporting one another. Thank you all so much. We love you. As we start our last six months in our mission, we look forward to being together again. I want all my children to know we love you so much and want you to know you are always welcome in our home to stay forever how long you can. We love our mission and know that our Savior loves each one of us. We have spent many years serving in His house. We know without a doubt that families are together forever and know we will be also, if not, life would have no purpose. We pray constantly for your health, safety, and that you will always be blessed with sufficient income to raise your families. We want nothing more than for you to have joy in your lives. Thank you so much for being our children. With love Dad and Mom

Merry Christmas and Happy New year!!

      Since it is very expensive and the mail is so unreliable, we do most everything by e-mail. This is not all bad as we have learned how to use the computer a little better. At this Christmas time, we reflect and celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior. It has really been a blessing to serve in His house everyday. We get to celebrate Christmas everyday. We get to see His miracles everyday. As we watch families join together for the Eternities, it makes us even more aware of His Eternal Plan and that we can, through our service and dedication to His commandments, be with Our Heavenly Father once again. We have really felt that happiness through being able to serve.  We can witness that happiness is not found in earthly treasures, but in serving others and being a positive force in our Father's work. Almost all of El Salvadorians don't have a lot of material things that we consider important for happiness, but they are a happy people and a loving people as they come to know the Savior. As they come to Him, it seems their physical needs also improve. At this Christmas time, may we remember the true meaning of Christmas and be able to be with family and friends. Here we will miss our children and friends, but we have gained many more and are looking forward to music, talking with our children and being together as a missionary family. We look forward to being with our children next Christmas. We know some of you at home are having illnesses and other problems. We think of you often and we pray for you and keep those names of whom we are aware of who are struggling on the prayer roll of the temple.
 

     We send our love and appreciation for all you do for us, for your prayers and enjoy those who take time to email us. We enjoy hearing from all. May you have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. They say with the Mayan calendar starting a new cycle, things are to get better. We are all most definitely in the the Lord's hands. We love you all Elder and Sister Thompson, Lon and Nancy, Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma.

 

The One-Eyed Pilot

     President Petersen and the 4 Elders got a real treat today, for them. Brother Reyes arranged for them to take an airplane ride around El Salvador with a one-eyed pilot. It was a small plane, with room for the 5 of them with the pilot, Carlos.  I willingly gave up my seat!!

     We were a little nervous when we were told that he only had one eye, so Brother Reyes sent us a link to a movie on YouTube about the life of our pilot. I have forwarded the email on to you so don't trash the email to Elder Gibbons from Bro. Reyes. It is a great story told by the people involved. You will enjoy watching it. It is about 45 minutes long.

The pilot and his plane.

One of the volcano's they flew over.    

The beach around El Salvador.

 They flew over the temple

  These 5 boys came home with smiles like it was Christmas morning. They had a great time and are sad to be grounded again. Each one of them took about 60 pictures and Elder Kitley even took videos so we will have lots of pictures to show you all upon our return.

     We had a busy week in the temple, with at least one bus daily and usually two or three. It was great to be so busy. December is the month for weddings here, like June is in the States. It is so fun to see the little families sealed for time and eternity. We have had 3 or 4 daily since the first of December.

     We are busy learning Christmas music for our devotionals. It is always great to be able to enjoy the Christmas music, even in Spanish.  Our grandson, Nathan, has the exact days, time, minutes till Christmas. But for us it is just about two weeks away and then we won't hear these great songs again for a year. We are looking forward to sharing the holiday with our mission family and Skyping our family at home also.

     May you each have a very Merry Christmas, with lots of love and charity for all. Enjoy every minute because it will be gone way too soon. We love you and thank you for your prayers in our behalf. We think of you often and look forward to spending next Christmas with many of you. Love Lon and Nancy, Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma

Good Morning

     Lon and I are both fighting head colds so we are not getting a lot done other than our shifts at the temple right now. The AM shift week was too full and we did not get enough sleep. Hopefully by this weekend we will be on the mend again and have another week of the PM to get our rest and be ready for the AM again.

     Do you remember me telling you about the young girl who has breast cancer? She thought it was in remission and they planned their wedding day for Nov. Then, in Oct she came to the temple and just crumbled into my arms and said that she needed a miracle this time. She was so sad and her eyes were not dancing. She was completely without hope. I wondered if I would ever know if she lived or died because I only knew her in the temple, didn't even know her name. On Sat the 1st, I was headed to the breakroom for a bite to eat, as I passed the recommend desk, there she was, sitting in a wheel chair with a blue mask over her face so she wouldn't catch everyones germs and dressed in a beautiful wedding dress. They had just come from their civil ceremony to be sealed for time and eternity. They were not on the schedule for the day so I went upstairs to tell Sister Petersen they were here and about my little friend. It was evident that they were getting sealed because she would soon be dying. Sister Petersen arranged for me to get to attend the sealing. The room was full of family and friends, but not her parents. They were in the states so I think they were against this wedding and the kids took advantage of them being gone. There wasn't a dry eye in the room even before the couple entered. Oh Karen, She had such a peaceful, content, happy look on her face this time. They removed the mask for the sealing and she insisted on kneeling at the alter. You could feel her spirit so strong. She was at peace with her situation and her husband was so attentive and loving and at peace also. They both knew that the promises and blessings they were to recieve were meant for the next life. Poor Pres. Majano had a real hard time getting through the ceremony as he along with the rest of us shed many a tear. Oh, what a blessing to know that there is life after death and that this special couple can be together forever. I am so thankful to have been given the privelage to know her and to see her for the last time so happy and at peace. My dear little friend, Mirian Marcela Vasques passed away on Dec. 4th. They didn't get much time together, but I know that they cherished every moment.

    Dec 1st was also the first of our four devotionals that we are singing at this month. The Stake Sunday School put on a "road show" That is the only thing that I can compare it to. It opened with a grandfather and grandson talking about the Bof M and the first scene was the destruction of the Nephites with Mormon saying his speach about oh you beautiful sons and daughters why did you not repent as he looked over the battle scene. Then the choir sang Come unto Him. As I tell you the songs, you can guess what was acted out just before. The second song we sang was "Nephi's Courage" Boy, the third verse is a killer in spanish!! Next, I sang " O that I were an Angel", then a primary sang "The Army of Helaman", then Luciana and a nonmember sang "This is the Christ". This was our ward and they used one of the Americans to play the risen Jesus visiting the Americas. He grew a beard for the part and it was real impressive as the Lamanites came to feel the prints in his hands and feet. After the last play, Luciana and I sang a duet of "Joseph Smiths first Prayer" and had the congregation join in with the last two verses. I really got choked up as I led them in the last verse. I know so many of these people. The gym was clear full and the benches in the chapel were turned around and they went half way into the chapel as well. How am I ever going to leave them? I plan on cherishing every day from now on and try not to think about how soon I will have to go. It was a great program with great scenery, painted by our relief society president, Karina, and the costuming was good. After the program, the Alas's insisted on taking us out for pupusas for my birthday. We were exhausted but so happy. It was a fun way to begin the Christmas season.

     We are practicing for three devotionals, the Temple workers devotional on the 16th, I am singing O holy Night and the choir three songs, then on the 22 we have a devotional for all the full time missionaries in El Salvador and on the 23 rd we do it again for the Stake. Sherilee and Rene have done great job of putting this together, translating music into Spanish and rewriting music to fit the words. It is going to be fun. I am singing a duet with Luciana and O Holy Night again and maybe Do you Hear What I Hear. So I am getting no Spanish lessons in at all, only music lessons as I study the words in Spanish so I can sing. I am sorry that you only get the one song to sing in Sac Meeting. Maybe next year she will be able to do more. I just love the songs of Christmas and I know you do too. I listened to the one you sent, it was great. I watached the first 15 minutes of the movie and the last 15 minutes. We are thinking of using it for our turn for home evening this monday. Is there anything in the middle that would not be good for missionaries and the Temple President? I just don't have time to proof it for myself.

     I don't know how you keep up with scouts. What a challenge. Tracy is in Oregan right now taking another series of tests for two different towns. I don't think anyone will be hiring until January but he just has to keep testing and hopefully one of the towns will be hiring soon. They are getting a little nervous as his unemployment will be running out soon and they don't know about getting more or not. He is just trying to do all that he can do and then we just have to wait upon the Lord for the blessings. Well, I need to get dinner on. I just had to share my week with you. I am so happy and feel my Heavenly Fathers hand in all I do. It is wonderful. I love you Nancy

December Already, WOW!

     Not sure where November went but we are into December and loving the Christmas season with the music and lights and the spirit of love that fills the air this time of year. It is wonderful that the whole world spends one month a year thinking about their Savior and spreading love and good cheer around. Maybe we should have Christmas a few more of the months? I guess then it would not be so
special and it would be taken for granted.

     We were taken to lunch to a new restaurant, the Cafe San Fernando. It is about a half hour from here and up in the mountains. The view was beautiful and the flowers and trees were breathtaking. I just wish pictures could do it justice but I have included a few pictures from there for you. Pictures #1,2,3 It was fun to actually see pine trees. The temperature was much cooler so it was a very nice afternoon.

      We had a very busy week in the temple. This is the time of year for weddings here so we have had lots of sealings, a few scheduled, but most of the time the people just show up. I got to work in the baptistry three days this week. It is always fun to work with the youth but very tiring as you are on your feet all day. In the Boise and Twin Falls temples, the ordinance workers were not in charge of the laundry but here we are. So when you serve in the Baptistry you also work in the laundry. When the youth come in swarms, it gets real hard to keep up with only two washers and 4 dryers. The worst problem is that a lot of the women have never had washers or dryers and have no clue how to use them.

      We got to go to Antique Custitlan for dinner with the Alas's on Saturday night. They have been trying to take us to dinner for a month to celebrate my birthday but our schedules just would not cooperate. Picture #4 is the four of us eating pupuses and picture #5 is of the tree in the center of town all decorated for the holidays. There were so many people there to see the lights, we felt like we were in a sardine can. The fireworks have begun also. Every night we have fire works all month of December. Then, on Christmas Eve, they start about midnight and go all night long.

     Lon and I are busy with choir practices and solo practices to get ready for the three devotionals that we are going to sing at. It really brings the Christmas spirit into our lives. We hope each of you are doing whatever you can do to bring this spirit into your lives and homes. This is such a magical time of year and it is here and gone so fast. We send our love to all. You are in our prayers daily. May God bless you and your families with peace and love and happiness as you celebrate the birth of our Savior. Love you Lon and Nancy, Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma.