Anyways, how was everyones Christmas?? I must say, mine was pretty fabulous. For one reason or another, they take three days to celebrate Christmas in Germany, so basically, we had no idea what to do with our time this week that would be a good use of it. People don't really do teaching appointments when they are with their families celebrating the holidays SO we sandwiched our Christmas between service projects. On the 23rd we went up to Inglostadt and helped the branch there make packages for homeless people. There was food, hats, gloves, tooth brushes, tooth paste, and some other goodies in all of the packages. Then on the 27th, after Christmas we cleaned the church here in Augsburg. The person on the calender to do it this week, was one older lady, so we helped her out and did it together. It was a really good time. I can't think of a better way to have spent my Christmas week on my mission.
But in terms of the actual holidays, I'm pretty sure I'm going to explode any day now because all we did for those three days was go to members' homes and eat. On Christmas eve we went to a Macedonian family's home and ate some really good Macedonian food. I really can't describe what it was, but it was delicious. In addition to eating, we sang some Christmas songs and I got to play the violin (because they just happened to have one). Basically, a lot of my music ability is gone, which was pretty depressing, but I can still read music (you kind of have to try to forget how to do that one) so I played a bunch of hymns and one of the Elders accompanied me on the keyboard and we jammed...as much as a missionary can.
The following day was Christmas and in the morning, Sister Baker and I listened to my favorite Christmas CD (Sing Choirs of Angels by MoTab) and opened our presents from home. Basically my parents are awesome. We got supplies for making chocolate chip cookies and have already made a batch. It made my day because I love chocolate chip cookies and they just don't have the stuff to make them with here, so I have an awesome family who knows me well :) We went to brunch at one family's home on Christmas. We played all sorts of card games and even did soft archery (which is legal for missionaries to do because it it a suction cup, not an actual arrow) and then after that we went to Markus and Alexa's home for Christmas dinner and to Skype our families. Markus and Alexa got baptized in September and are just super great. We Skyped our families at their home which was really nice of them. Seeing my parents was great. I just love my family a lot. It was really great to talk to them and hear their voices. My sisters and their husbands were even conferenced into the call, so I got to talk to them too. A lot of people talk about getting homesick after talking to their family, but I kind of just got even more excited about being here. Of course I love my family and miss them, but this is the time for me to be here doing this and I know that when the time is up, my family will be there pick me up at the airport, but until then, I'm going to enjoy this awesome adventure ahead. That's just how it is.
On the 26th, we had one last eating appointment for Christmas in a little village literally in the middle of nowhere. Seriously, when the train stopped, there wasn't even a platform. We just stepped onto dirt. We ate more food and had a good time. We played some Uno, and then went home and died. Basically, I never want to eat again...but alas, this week is New Years, so we have three more appointments to go. I just need to give my stomach a pep talk or something. I can do this.
But anyways, that was my Christmas. It was really great. People are just so kind. Being a missionary continues to be the bomb diggidy. I hope you all have a great week. Make good choices!
Love,
Sister Smiley
Pictures: The snow today, fake archery, and me sitting at the table on Christmas right after I skyped my parents
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