Week 50 In St. Thomas

Happy post Christmas week.    We got a welcome surprise on Monday: our Mission President and his wife came to St. Thomas.  They took us to lunch and brought some presents for the Elders.  We love and appreciate the Smarts.  They are not only good friends, but amazing leaders and we feel blessed to serve in the Puerto Rico Mission with them.

On Christmas Eve, we delivered a few presents and then had a Christmas Eve Celebration on Hassel Island with the Picketts, Andersons, Adamsons, Griffins and the Elders from our Branch.  We had a simple dinner of cream of potato soup, salad,  rolls and dessert.  The soup is a tradition from the Anderson family going way back in their family when they didn't have much money, but had many rich blessings to be thankful for.  We had a devotional where we watched the new nativity movie from the church and then each family shared an experience where they felt Christ in their life..  It was a fun evening for sure.  It's funny how in these little branches, the members become your family.




On Christmas Day we had the Elders and AJ (Becca had to work because there were 5 cruise ships in!)  over for breakfast and then had a devotional and then exchanged a few gifts.  It's kinda like having three grandkids with us.....


These are our "three grandsonsons" for the moment!


Had to have our traditional cinammon rolls of course!


Got this picture on Christmas morning reminding us of our tradition of giving the kids and grandkids their favorite cereal....Talor looks especially thrilled that their family is carrying on the tradition!    We got to facetime all our kids and grandkids on Christmas Day....so that was fun to do. Then towards the evening we went to the beach and watched the sunset from the water.   We have always wanted to go to the beach on Chrismtas Day, so we can cross that off our bucket list!

 Saturday night, the Griffins had us and the Elders over for dinner to celebrate my birthday.  That was really so so sweet of them.  We had pulled pork
 sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, beans, chips and cornbread and cake and ice cream!  We played a fun game of Bididiots and they even gave me a present.  We love the Griffins!
About burned the house down with all the candles!  

 Even though it was a different Christmas than we are used to, we had a lot of time to reflect on Christ, His life, His gospel and His infuence in our lives.  We are so grateful for Him and for His teachings.  We hope that the year 2020 will be a good one for everyone and that we will all help each other out "in walking each other HOME."  Stay strong and steadfast!
Love,
The Garrisons

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