December 10th - December 23rd

We are actually posting this on the 24th - Christmas Eve. 

The highlight of this two weeks was the baptism of Desiree on the 15th.  Nan spoke and I was asked by Desiree to perform the baptism.  There were about 20 at the baptism Saturday morning and I performed the confirmation on Sunday at the branch. The branch also gave her the quadruple combination of the Old and New Testament, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearle of Great Price.  We took Desiree and several from the branch to lunch following the baptism.  Just a really nice day. It even snowed a little to remind us of home. 

We gave our finals at institute on the 12th and 13th.  We do not teach classes again until January 23rd.  This will give us both a chance to do some studying and organization for next semester.  We have written notes to a number of young adults that did not attend institute last semester that we hope will reconsider this upcoming term.  We have several YW who have submitted their mission papers and will be receiving calls to serve missions within the next couple of months.  Several other YM and YW are leaving for school.  Most going to BYU Idaho.  Hopefully this group leaving can be offset by those coming home from school or missions. 

We both feel good about touching the lives of those we have been able to influence, either teaching them in institute, visiting with them at the institute between classes, or during the many branch activities we go to.  We are with the young people almost every night except for Tuesday.  We have attended several choir, dance, concert band and orchestra presentations at Shasta College, which some of the young people we know participated in.  We have enjoyed those presentations.  However, Kent would rather listen to people singing in English.

Friday the 14th was a dance sponsored by the LDS Student Association, which gives us representation on campus.  This last Friday the branch had its annual Christmas party.  Nan got out on the dance floor with one of the YM and tried to learn to Jitter-Bug.  Carlos was very patient but Nan ran out of steam before she had the foot-work down.  It still amazes us that when these young people say they are going to have a dance, they actually do dance. 

On the 15th we spoke in the 5th Ward and yesterday, the 23rd, we spoke in our branch.  We gave basically the same talks on charity and gifts of the spirit and then tied them into the true meaning or true spirit of Christmas.

Thanks to all for your gifts, cards and thoughtful wishes.   We have such wonderful memories of this time of year. 

May each of you find happiness during this time of year.  Hold your children close, give your spouse a hug and tell them how much they mean to you.  Pray for peace and stay close to our Father in Heaven.

Love to all,