Merry CHRISTmas!

Dear Family and Friends,

This is a glorious time of the year.  Everyone is full of light. As missionaries of the Savior, it is awesome to look down and see the name tag with both your name and Jesus Christ's name. There is a scared feeling to know who you are representing.  You cannot do or say things that will tarnish His name.  It's interesting to watch the people you meet when you are out and about shopping or whatever.  Some look away while others are happy to greet you.  We try to be as friendly and positive as we can so they will know we are not threatening. There are still strong feelings about the church in this area and we hope to in some way cheer and bless others. This week as well as every last week in the month, little towns have "the end of the month meals".  Some families run out of money to eat the last week of the month so area organizations sponsor 1 meal each night during the week. The LDS church joins this effort.  We have the assignment this week of making a cake.  Not a big service for us but with the efforts of others, families will have food.  Big things come from small things when efforts are joined.

There are not a lot of tours right now but there are some. We appreciate each guest. It's fun to share Nauvoo and right now the sites are decorated so gaily for Christmas. Simple yet cheerful. So many missionaries are working to get humanitarian items ready for Christmas delivery. I have been making quilts and crocheting. I have not crocheted since Primary and that is about where my skill level is, so I'm hoping that whoever gets my scarf will feel the intent of my heart and not look at the mistakes. It is a scarf of love. I am not planning to do more, not a new found hobby.

We have been working hard on genealogy, especially Elder Long.  We did sealings in the temple on Saturday night. What a perfect way to give to others! The interesting aspect of this gift, as well as all gifts given, is that you actually receive more than you give.

We love you all and want you to know the best gift we can give this year to you is our service. We love the Lord and are so blessed to be missionaries for Him. We know He lives and loves each of us. Not just as a whole but individually. He loves you and knows you by name. He knows your heart and your goodness.

Merry CHRISTmas,

Elder and Sister Long