Christmas Call

We waited with great anticipation for your phone call at 6:00 a.m. Christmas morning. What a wonderful way to start the day! It was so great to hear your voice and just chat with you for awhile. That 45 minutes went awfully fast! It was Christmas Day night (9:00 p.m.) in the Philippines. You had had a great day - had a zone conference that morning, had visited with members and investigators, and you had been fed, fed, and then fed some more! Elder Robertson was in the background making you both some eggnog as we spoke! You mentioned you were now settled in your apartment, with what sounded like pretty nice amenities. The weather is rainy (drizzle or downpour) almost everyday, with some sunshine mixed in. You were only a couple of hours away from the mission home, used mostly jeepneys or tricycles with side car or walking for transportation. Your language is coming along - you were able to help with a first discussion in Tagalog. You have given your first "short notice" talk in sacrament meeting. The mosquitoes are still a problem, but you are adjusting and learning how to deal with them. You had fun with the Christmas package we sent and enjoyed sleeping on the pillowcase we made - now that you have a pillow! You sounded happy, excited to be there, and already gaining a love for the people of the Philippines! We look forward to Mother's Day to hear your voice once again!