Dearest family and friends,
Warmest wishes for the merriest of holidays to you! To Oregon,
Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Texas, Alabama and Virginia--Merry Christmas! We
are so blessed to have family and friends near and far and send you our love.
The five days we spent at the MTC were rewarding and enjoyable but
hard work as well. Our class of 34 was small but we enjoyed the intimacy (130
senior missionaries will arrive on New Year’s Day and most will stay in
motels). Most were serving their second+ mission and the majority will serve in
their home stakes—only a few were going international. Our young trainers were
phenomenal and we grew to love them all. The new buildings are filled with
light and enormous murals on every floor with chairs and tables for reading and
studying—called Disciple Spaces. On a free evening we went to the Provo City
Temple and marveled at the restoration.
We left Provo on Friday and drove to Elko. Becca and Josh had
prepared an early Christmas dinner. All the Kufelds were there, including
Bryson and Alyssa, a Christmas miracle to have the whole family together! We
loved hearing about their trip to Ely to ride the Polar Express. Jace and
Brinkley danced and bounced in Christmas excitement. Josh K. and Papa Josh
spent hours Friday evening and then Saturday morning talking about Joseph Smith
and the Book of Mormon. We downloaded the Gospel Library app on Josh K.’s phone
and he agreed to read, and listen when he’s driving to mine sites. One more
family prayer and one more family cheer of “Sure do love ya” brought tears to
us all. Despite an early snowfall the roads were dry and the Montello road
through Park Valley open, so we made it to Cache Valley by late afternoon.
We arrived just minutes after Amy returned from shopping to
discover Matt installing a new dishwasher. They’ve been without one for three
years so the surprise was totally unexpected. Papa Josh drove the children to
deliver gift to teachers and friends. This morning Josh and Amy will sing with
the choir and we’ll enjoy sacrament meeting with the Cherry Creek Ward.
Tomorrow, after Christmas morning festivities, we’ll head to Grand Junction,
stopping along the route to see family. Tuesday morning we head to Denver and
that evening Josh will be set apart as second counselor in the mission
presidency. We’re excited to get started!
Jessi’s surgery was Wednesday and went well. The Sadlers went skiing
on Wednesday and enjoyed the snow at Brighton. Hiram’s family is basking in
Alabama’s warmer weather. We pray that each of you will enjoy family and
friends this holiday, and feel of our Savior’s love for each of you. Merry
Christmas! Sure do love ya, Karen/MOM
