Two Years in the Canary Islands: Jennifer's Farewell

This week I am grateful for the words of the Christmas song, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." The words to the first verse of this song have run through my mind countless times this week:

God rest ye merry, gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember, Christ, our Saviour

Was born on Christmas day

To save us all from Satan's power

When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy.

How grateful I am for the birth of our Savior. I am so grateful for His perfect life that shows us the way to live, so that we might return to live with Him. And I am grateful for His atoning sacrifice and for the gift of forgiveness. This is the message I am focusing on at this Christmas season.

Monday morning started off extra early. Elder Larsen took these two great missionaries, Elder Brwonell and Elder Hawk, to the airport at 5:15 a.m. They will do wonderful work on the mainland.

Elder Thunell and Elder Dyer were also on the early flight for the mainland. These two elders have been with us for six months. It is so hard to see them go. We have enjoyed getting to know them and working with them. We wish them the best in their new areas.

We had a nice Pday with Elder McAlister and Elder Peterson. They were happy to spend the morning doing their studies and the afternoon emailing, playing ping pong, and just relaxing. I think they enjoyed our home and the food. They were very appreciative.

They headed to the airport about 5:00 p.m. Elder McAlister met his new companion and they flew back to Fuerteventura.

Elder Peterson's new companion, Elder Davis, flew in about the same time. Their flight was early on Tuesday morning, so they came back here to eat and spend the night. We enjoyed visiting with Elder Davis and getting to know him.

Elder Hansen, Elder Moreland, and Elder Bybee were a threesome for a few days. as Elder Hansen was waiting for his new companion. They taught a wonderful lesson on Tuesday night about the love our Heavenly Father has for us. Of all the titles that he could have us address Him by, He wants us to call Him "father." What a good reminder that we are His children and He loves us as a father.

Elder Larsen picked up Elder Priest on Wednesday morning. He came to us straight from the Missionary Training Center in Madrid. We are happy to have him join us here in the islands.

We had our district meeting Wednesday afternoon. I fixed chicken noodle soup, jewish sweet bread, and green salad, with apple cake for dessert. I missed my pasta maker, but I went back to the old-fashioned way of making noodles and they turned out delicious. These guys look full and happy!

Hermana Trone has been inspired to practice the piano. She gave up lessons years ago, and says her mother's words that she would regret it have come back to haunt her. I gave her a set of note cards and she was showing off her knowledge when one of the notes stumped her! But she has perfected "Silent Night." The missionaries are tired of hearing her play it, but I am proud of her.

And here we have our hermana's with their matching chevron and scarves. Aren't they cute?

Saturday night the Vecendario Ward had a going away party for Jennifer. She will be leaving on Tuesday for London, where she will serve an eighteen month mission. She is so excited. We will really miss her. These young adults leave us for wonderful reasons, but it doesn't make it any easier to tell them goodbye.