December 28, 2023

 

Sunrise 10:13 am  Sunset  3:41 PM        5 hrs. 27 minutes day length

This is downtown Anchorage.  The Roads and streets all over Anchorage will be like this till the breakup in late April or May. Another storm of 8-12 inches hit Anchorage a week before this picture.

 

It’s been very interesting week. A week of contrasts, a week of divine interventions, a week of appreciating circumstances, a week of culture and a week of learning., A lot of which came by going to Christmas parties. Monday night was The Cook Inlet YSA Ward Christmas party. They advertised it as a prime rib dinner and a program and fun evening. We went and we brought two homemade desserts, and it was a decently attended dinner. There were seven tables with about seven on each table, and the food was excellent. We have several men in the stake who are just the known cooks and so they prepared the prime rib and it was awesome. Our High Council rep, Brother Hogan and Bishop Brandau and their spouses put on the spread. The activity person Kamryn had decorated with some balloons and things in the hall  to make it Christmasy, but she was not able to be there because she was headed home to Florida to visit her family. When dinner was over, the party broke up tables were put away, and the people went home and Bro & Sister Hogan were left to the final kitchen cleanup. It was a nice dinner, but we really didn’t get a chance to visit with anyone, except for those who are on our table , which was good. But it was not really a Christmas party type thing and it was pretty flat as parties go.  especially with YSA age people.  But at least they did it and it was good to have a pretty good turnout.

On Wednesday afternoon we had a good visit with our daughters which is every Wednesday so it’s a fun hour to look forward to each week. It’s on zoom, so we get to see them and get a chance to talk. We went to the temple that night with the YSA board and only, two were there the relief Society president and the Elders Quorum President. It was the STP, same two people. Thursday we were able to complete the Institute service project of quilts as we delivered the quilts to the Fisher house on base. Sister Prentice and Jordan were able to accompany us  as we delivered the quilts for the children. They were very appreciative and impressed with the quilts and the young people who who did them and they’re going to make a special delivery to the children on Christmas day of the quilts. There ended up being seven done and Carolee did an amazing job  of finishing them and and putting the whole project together. She was pretty amazing, connecting all the dots and all things that needed to happen to pull it off. It was a great learning experience for us, as we evaluated the project and the things that we have been learning from the handbook  And from our training.  We realized that how we are contacting the YSAs and how we're conducting activities and stuff is not sustainable.  We will go home and the next couple has to start over doing it how they want or think they ought to help.  Carolee ended up doing the vast majority of the work and I organized and ordered and picked up all the food and treats.  Then we were there till 10:30 cleaning up. 

On Friday we had a fun miracle as we were returning the quilting frames & tying up (notice the play on words tying up--like the quilts...get it?) loose ends from the project. We were heading south to the two homes to return the frames and Carolee was navigating. As she put the address into her Google maps it did not allow her to get to the address for whatever reason. So as we were on the highway, she just typed in the next address and it allowed her to go to that one.  So they were in the same general area so we didn't think it mattered.  So we decided to just go to that one instead of trying to figure out the other one first. As we pulled into the subdivision we saw Elder, Stein, and Elder Hall, our YSA zone leaders, standing on the side of the road, looking at their phones, like they were lost. We pulled up to them and asked them if they were lost or if they needed a ride. They kind of looked at each other and said yes, we would love a ride.  Their car was in the shop and they were walking and tracting. Since we had quilting frames in the backseat and sticking  through the seats, we said we would deliver them first and then take them to their car. They explained to us when they got in that they had been calling everybody in their district and trying to get a ride back and no one was answering their phones. They figured it would’ve taken them about four or five hours to walk back to the service where their car was being repaired. Then, we just showed up. A coincidence? Hardly we love these divine interventions that just happened so often it’s just undeniable. Our district of Young missionaries , have a chat group on  Messenger, or each night one of the companionships records, a miracle that happened to them that day. And it’s so amazing how when you’re looking for them, they just always happen. I was listening to a podcast with Sister Joy Jones, former general President of the relief of the primary, who said that we need to record these miracles daily and then reread them often so that we don’t forget that they happen and how it made us feel. Because when they happen, you feel that God is in the details of our lives, and sometimes we forget, or doubt that . That is why I want to make sure I am journaling daily.  But, that is a tough deal because we are so busy and at night when we get home we are so exhausted and it’s really hard to do anything that takes effort.

Thursday night was the Maplewood North stake  YSA group Christmas party. It was at the Institute.  Rachel Morgan the relief President had things mostly set up but she had to work until 6:30. So we planned on going a little early to make sure everything was set up and ready to go. We got there just after 6:30 and the parking lot was full. We go in, and it was full of Polynesian YSAs and they were playing games and doing stuff.   I asked Bishop Afatia how he got everybody there so early and he told me it started at six,! So we were late and none of the food was set up so me and Carolee just got the food out fixed salad arrange it on the table and then somebody brought some fried chicken and so we got everything set up and by the time next game was over. They were ready to eat at 7 o’clock on the dot. We realized that with these young people that they only bring store items, which is OK since they are YSA probably not position to cook. But it was a great meal and then after we ate , we played more games. And boy these guys party hard. We had so much fun playing games and was probably 20 or 25 of us and Bishop Afatia just had us in stitches all night. When we left around 930 or 915, they were still going  and Mark Fanene, told us not to worry that they would clean everything up. Wow what a contrast to the Cook in that YSA Christmas party quite different.  It was really fun. They are just so fun, loving and laugh so easy, and just seem to enjoy life no matter their circumstances.

 Thursday was also the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year.  We had 5 hrs and 27 minutes of daylight and 19 hours of darkness.  It is weird but I don't think the darkness is affecting me mentally, but more physical.  I just feel more tired, maybe because my body thinks it is bedtime when its not.  When its dark at 4pm, my body thinks its time to slow down, when in reality we don't even start our activities till 7pm.  its already been dark for 3 hours! 

On Friday night, we went to the take Tikishlla Park Christmas party. They are a Samoan speaking Ward. Most times when meeting with the Polynesian people they are on island time, which means they start things late and so we were accustomed to that, but were warned that at the parties they start on time. So we showed up about 6:55 and the parking lot was completely full, but there were no people walking in. When we walked into the cultural hall, all the tables were completely full and people patiently waiting the start of the party. We weren’t sure if we were going to stay late or the whole time, so we were going to seek out a table at the rear. However, the people  saw that differently and several of the Polynesian women and brethren told us to go sit up front. We told them no, but they insisted until finally someone came and took our arms and took us to the head table at the very front and center. There were two seats there for us next to the member of the state presidency and the high counselor and their wives.  At promptly  7 PM, the master of ceremony turned on his mic and began the party.  It was all in Samoan, so we did not understand anything. Every once in a while, he would translate into English, but it was very minimal and only essential information. He introduced the opening prayer, and then acknowledged the dignitaries, who were president Aliki from Stake Presidency and the high councilor and their wives and Elder and sister Cox. The Bishop, Bishop Afatia was the DJ and had an incredible sound system and music and it was loud. After a spiritual thought by the young missionaries who serve in the Tikishlla  park Ward he instructed us how to go about getting food at this humongous feast.  Of course our table was first and then the MC would direct all the other tables to the various food items. All the people serving were the senior Samoan elders (elderly people) if you will and we put things on our plate that normally we wouldn’t eat. We both ate fish that were cooked whole , and we’re glad they were gutted first, we think. Carolee had the whole fish head and all and they cut mine in half and they told me the tail was the best portion so that’s what I took. It was really good. We ate as much as we could  And some of it was weird but while we were eating and people were getting served, the music played loud and clear, and we recognized none of it.  It was definitely Samoan and younger generation music. For a Christmas party we only heard one Christmas song or hymn , and that was where a sister performed a hula dance to interpret Silent Night. 

The noise level in the cultural hall was very high with not only the music, but with the level of conversation and happiness it was going on with these people. It was really awesome to view, and be part of it. They all had heaping plates of food, and once everyone was served, they started the floor show.

The floor show was basically a talent show and consisted  of people who signed up. There were individuals dancing, a cello, and families or extended families, dancing, senior couples, singing, and dancing, and everything in between it. It was amazing. We’re not talking world class talent, but dancing and singing that was so fun.  It was amazing to see the families that participated.  

The crowd was appreciative of every act and cheered and congratulated with hugs and high-fives for those that performed. We were thoroughly entertained and amazed  at this party. 

When the floor show was done at about 9:15 PM, they said it’s time to dance!  In the white wards, or any ward that I’ve ever been in, we were used to when they said time to dance that everybody sat down and shrunk to the walls. 

But not here, almost everybody in the congregation went right up to the front and started dancing. It was line dancing, or designated dances that they all knew they were from seniors in their 80s to two-year-olds out there dancing their hearts out and smiling, and just enjoying themselves . We finally left at about 930 or so and the party was still going they had announced previously and we were thinking it was a joke, but they said it would go till 11 o’clock. And no doubt it did. There were people dressed in casual Island ware, some in their formal island attire, some in their sequins, and their American dress.  

So as we found out with the YSA group, and now with a completely Samoan Ward, these people love to be together, to talk, to socialize, to eat, to dance and enjoy life. The area where the Samoans and Tongans live is not the most affluent, they can to be less affluent & have their children live at home for longer.  And many times, a whole family with six or eight kids only has one car, so there are financial and social challenges that they face. But they are definitely happy.

 

The only thing that I felt was missing, which they very well could have added, especially at the beginning of the program, was a more Christ centered message. I think they knew they were there to celebrate, and that the celebration was Christmas, but besides, the people dressed like Santa and having traditional Christmas type stuff,  like lightbulb necklaces, it didn’t seem much like a Christmas party.

Sunday was Christmas Eve, and we had decided that we would like to invite the elders of our district to a Christmas luncheon at the Institute. They were planning on going there and fixing some rice crispy treats, and then going caroling. So we had our Christmas luncheon before they made the treats. We provided it all and we spent most of our preparation day Saturday getting ready for that luncheon. We did baked potatoes and homemade rolls and ham and salad and dessert for them. I even made the lime and raspberry sherbet drink that is so traditional from our family. We set up and decorated tables. We had lights around the windows, and everything was all prepared and done on Saturday. We went over to the Institute Sunday morning before church and baked rolls and potatoes.

 This is our district, which includes the ZLs, DL, and the Sister APs, a trio.  The Kuerth’s other SR.s

Then we went to our sacrament meeting at the YSA ward. It was mostly a musical program with the YSA members performing. Our patriarch, brother Light and his wife spoke, and it was excellent.  17 years ago, he was in a mountain biking accident with the Young Men and broke his neck.  He is a quadriplegic now.  He can move and use his hands somewhat now, so he is making some progress.  He was given a blessing by President Oaks that he would walk again, so they are still waiting on the Lord's timing. 

The musical numbers were “courageous” because most of them took a lot of courage get up and do what they did.

We spent most of Christmas Eve, sending out our Christmas card and posting it on social media. We watched Mr. Krueger‘s Christmas that we haven’t seen for a long time and had a quiet relaxing evening.

Christmas day was as usual a busy day for us. We were here until about noon, Talking with some of our kids and after opening the few little gifts that we had for each other, we headed to the Institute and hosted a small get together with Elder and Sister, Kuerth, Elder and Sister Neuman, and Elder and Sister White. We all brought food and snacks and mostly just sat around and visited till about 430.

Its really enjoyable to get with the other senior missionaries.  We have become good friends and enjoy being together. 

Then we came home and spent the rest of the day on the phone with the rest of our children and their families. It was a good day.

December 26 felt like a recovery day and that’s mostly what we did. Since there is no Institute until January 18, we will be working on getting an institute council up and going, having a couple of Institute activities, like a waffle night and an opening social .

Christmas in the mission field, without family here was a little different.  without all of the traditional sights, sounds, decorations, family activities that we are used to, it almost didn't feel like Christmas.  But on the other hand, the snowy winter wonderland we are living in and with the Christmas lights (albeit fewer than we are used to) it has been a spectacular scenic Christmas.  Many people put up lights on these huge tall Christmas trees...scattered all over the city. they need lift trucks to do it and a lot of lights.  It's way cool and with all the snow and hoar frost, the lights are spectacular. 

 And even without Christmas lights, it is a a dazzling visual display, day or night.  The unbelievable number of street lights cast beautiful hue on the trees that are decorated by Mother Nature with a stunning frosting of white.  It's such a treat. 

Sacrament meeting on Sunday, Christmas Eve gave me time for reflection on Christmas and what we are celebrating.  I know of the tremendous commercialization of the holiday and all the elements that try to distract us from the real reason we are celebrating.  there are also a lot of efforts to keep Christ  at the forefront and I'm grateful for that,  The Church is doing a wonderful job of confronting the challenges by its Light the World Campaign.  But as I thought about the 2-month effort (now) of most people to be able to pull off all of the Christmas traditions and activities, means that Christmas is a big deal!  and it is!  I pondered the condescension of Christ and where he descended from--from the very throne of God--to being born outside in a shelter with a bed used as a feeding station for animals.  And then even further throughout his 33 years of life. It is truly a Big deal, and I'm so glad we make it so, even if some of the celebrating is different, maybe mis-guided or even pagan.  The reason for the Season is so very big and worth everything we put into it.  I think of the celebrations and feasts of the Jews.  The Passover celebration is the crown jewel where they remember and celebrate when their deliverance.  Christmas too is a crown jewel where we celebrate our deliverance from death and sin because of His  birth.  I'm so grateful we celebrate Christmas!!