Elder Winters spreading salt while Elder Lagazzo is clearing the driveway at the Mission home. He spent the night at the mission home to receive training for the responsibilities of the BYU Asian Area.
Elder Winters has a new companion to follow up train his new companion Elder Allen from Scotland.
Here is Elder Winters description of his new comp:
He is the man! Hard working and Funny, good personality and people skills, and this kid really does not need my training despite my calling as a follow up trainer. However he does really appreciate me teaching him the missionary skills that his trainer never went over, like how to have companionship study, and how to plan, and the importance of talking to 10 new people every day. So things are just going very well, and I already know that this transfer is going to fly by!
I have thought a lot about Christmas and having Elder Winters be away. It is exciting to me to know that he will call home. I think the whole family is looking forward to hearing his voice, asking questions and hearing all he has to share. We are all thrilled to have him in the mission field, enjoying his work, but on special occasions we really miss having him with us.
I was cruzing around on the missionary moms web site and saw this poem. Knowing it would make me cry I did not read it at that moment. Soon after at work Eliisa gave me a copy of it. I asked her if it would make me cry and she said yes so again I set it aside. In a quiet moment by myself I found the courage to read it and I share it here because it captures so many of my feelings. Elder Winters worked really hard to have the privilege to serve and it is with a joyful heart that we support him in his missionary service. Heavenly Father gave us an amazing son and so lovingly this Christmas, we give Him back His son.....
A Missionary Christmas
I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just was't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, and ties, two suits and socks...no fun,
I've bought him all white clothes because....
This year I'm giving Christ my son.
I've spent more time in the temple, my testimony stirred.
I've reread November's Ensign, Felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year I'm giving Christ my son.
I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion, their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton
For two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.
I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him, that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand, This year,
I'm giving Him my son.
Past gifts have lost their glitter; I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make, This year,
I'm giving Christ my son.
I know there's One who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give, The toll it will be taking.
For he has done it all before Greater love - there could be none.
For years ago God gave to me,
His only begotten Son.
The hands I washed, the hands I held, The hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones Who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, Until all the gathering's done,
My gift has taken years to make.
This year..... I'm giving Christ my son.
Unknown
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