1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all ^athe world should be ^btaxed.

2 (And this ^ataxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called ^aBethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his ^aespoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her ^afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the ^binn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the ^aglory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you ^agood tidings of great ^bjoy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is ^aborn this day in the city of David a ^bSaviour, which is Christ the ^cLord.

12 And this shall be a ^asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 ^aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth ^bpeace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with ^ahaste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it ^awondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and ^apondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Because we are away from our family during this Christmas season, we wanted to share with all of you the event from the scriptures which we share with them every Christmas Eve.  We can't be in a better place than where we are at this time, and doing what we are doing.  The life and mission of our Savior is the most important thing that has happened to and in the world since its creation and the events in the Garden of Eden.  We have been called by Him to represent Him as though He Himself were here, saying and doing what He would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent us.  Our voice is His voice, and our acts are His acts; our doctrine is His doctrine.  Our commission is to be a living modern witness in word and deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous Latter-day work.  How great is our calling!  (a quote from Elder Bruce McConkie). And how thankful we are for those who support us in this work, and to our loving Heavenly Father for watching over us and our families while we are away.

Week before last (boy, I've got to be better at keeping this blog thing up to date!) we took the opportunity to visit some early morning seminary classes.  Wednesday of that week we were up at 5:30, Thursday at 5:00, and Friday at 4:30.  We have some really great teachers who are very dedicated to teaching the gospel to the youth.  And, for the most part, they do a pretty good job.  This is a precursor of our schedule after the new year starts.  Since nothing drastic happened on Dec. 21st, we're scheduling future visits and training with as many teachers as we can.  We get so involved in what's taking place in the classes that we forget to take pictures of these dedicated teachers and students.  We'll try to do better in the future.

We had an opportunity to go to the eastern tip of Nova Scotia, on assignment from the mission office and our institute coordinator.  We went to check on what is happening with seminary and institute in Cape Breton, and to inspect the missionaries apartments.  We forgot our camera, so we didn't get pictures - this time!  We may be going back in a week or two to take some new furniture to the Elders, and we will be sure to take the camera then.  Cape Breton is the last point of main land before taking a ferry ride to Newfoundland.  It has some of the highest elevation points in Nova Scotia - approximately 800 feet above a very cold sea level!  The people are friendly and very proud of their heritage and homeland.

We met the most interesting and eccentric man, whom everyone should have the experience of meeting.  He is probably the most cheerful soul in all of Atlantic Canada.  When we return to Cape Breton we'll be sure to take his picture.  He's not a member of the church, but when the branch closest to him was open, he walked 7 miles to and from church every Sunday for a number of years.  He's very well acquainted with the church, Utah, and all things Mormon.  He even takes the Church News and Mormon Times from the Salt Lake Deseret News Corp.  A very friendlyman.

The Centurion

The Bridgewater Ward sponsored a live nativity, with live animals and everything!  This nativity is probably the most unique we've ever seen.  One couple used to do this inside their home, clearing out their furniture and bringing in the animals and props.  Because of a lack of room, visiting was by invitation only.  But this year it was in a barn and everyone was welcome.  We signed in with a Centurion, given a bag of shekels, and instructed to reserve a room at the inn right away.  As we stepped through an opening we were greeted by a number of small booths where we could buy trinkets, dried fruit, candles, and so on.  The place was packed and most visitors were in costume (we went as senior missionaries).  After awhile we were sent to the "inn", stacked hay bales, and it was very crowded.  Enter Joseph and Mary, who try to barter for a room - and there definitely was no room!  The inn keeper ushered them to a stable, where they brought forth their son.  Singing angels entered, then shepherds.  We all sang a few Christmas hymns, then viewed the baby (a real, live baby).  It was very realistic, and ultra cold, but very helpful in reminding us of the trials of Mary, Joseph, and their firstborn Son.


The Innkeeper

Joseph and Mary -
turned away from the Inn

Elder Unger,
Santa's favorite elf

Last Wednesday we had a full day of training with all the missionaries in the province of Nova Scotia, and Pres. and Sis. Leavitt.  The morning was spent in training how to proselyte more effectively, then we went to a local restaurant for a Christmas dinner.  Back at the church we exchanged gifts, had a talent show, then pictures.  Santa and his head elf were there to wish us a Merry Christmas!  It was fun, entertaining, and educational, with the spirit to get things into our hearts and not just our heads.  And to top it all off - it finally snowed!  We had about 3-4 inches of snow.  Mind you, it didn't snow down the hill from us in greater Halifax, nor across the harbor in Dartmouth.  Just the higher elevations of our area (maybe 100 feet above the water level).  It was melted in a couple of days, so we're back to springlike weather.

Last evening we were guests to some very special people - Milford, Ruby, and Dot were here for dinner.  This is Joni's brother, his wife, and sister-in-law.  Joni threw together some fantastic fish chowder and dinner rolls.  They were thrilled with the fixings, so we sent all the leftovers with them.  It was really great to have them in our home for once, as they have us to their home fairly often.  It's wonderful to be able to share this time with them.



Elders Grasteit, Farnsworth,
& Harris

We had an opportunity to have dinner at the Mission Home with Pres. and Sis. Leavitt, and a few missionaries, three of whom were going home the next day.  Sis. Leavitt called and invited us to join them, which was unusual.  After dinner, we shared a few missionary moments and our testimonies of the gospel work we're involved in, then said goodby to those leaving the mission field for home, Elders Farnsworth, Harris, and Grasteit.  Elder Farnsworth was a favorite of ours and he'll be missed.

 This evening (Saturday, Dec. 22) we attended another live nativity, this time at the stake center in Dartmouth.  Not quite as involved as the Bridgewater one, but very well done, with beautiful costumes, live animals, and a wonderful spirit.  The pictures are a little dark, but you get the story.

For the holidays, we will be going to Liverpool (Sister T's hometown) to spend a few days with her family.  We're looking forward to that, as this is the first time we've been entirely with her family since we were married 42 years ago.  We're really looking forward to that, and we'll take our camera with us!

Have a safe and very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Please take the time to remember what our Savior has done for us, and return our thanks by being of service to our families, friends, and everyone we meet.  Like the Wise Men, let us continue to seek after Him throughout our life, with faith, hope, and charity towards everyone.

 

Sis. White & Sis. Bezanger
Very humorous and wonderful
ladies of Halifax 1st Ward

The Christmas spirit is getting stronger as we get nearer to December 25th.  We had the opportunity to attend TWO church dinners this last week.  On Friday evening we attended the Halifax 1st Ward Christmas party (that's a family ward).  There are a lot of really friendly people there and we like to attend their Sacrament Meetings every Sunday, just for the feel of family.

Just a few of the ugly sweaters!

After that we attend the Young Single Adult meetings to feel the vibrance of youth.  They have great testimonies and a wonderful spirit about them.  We're not sure if they're keeping us young or making us older, but we love them.  They had their Christmas dinner and dance on Saturday evening, to include an invitation to wear an ugly sweater.  Elder Tiffany doesn't have such a thing, but Sister Tiffany borrowed one from Melissa and JJ.  They gave prizes for the ugliest sweaters, and there were some pretty ugly ones, but she won HANDS DOWN!  She promised not to wear it anywhere else, and immediately put it away.

 SEE WHAT WE MEAN -             UGLY!
















     AND THE WINNERS ARE -












We met with some stake priesthood leaders and discussed some things they would like us to do in the way of training auxilary teachers, as well as seminary and institute teachers. It will include some extra travel time, but a chance to see more of Nova Scotia in depth, as we attend wards and branches around the province. We're looking forward to getting more acquainted with many more members.

Sister Tiffany's asking Santa
to not give her a piece of coal
for wearing the sweater.

"With the birth of the babe in Bethelehem, there emerged a great endowment - a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar.  This child was to become the King of kings and Lord of lords, the promised Messiah - Jesus Christ, the Son of God."  (Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator)

Painting by Wendi Oickle,
mother of a Bridgewater YSA
(Samantha)

We had our last class before the Christmas break in Bridgewater.  We really love that group and are going to miss our weekly meetings with them, but we will not miss the drive.  But the Lord has been good to us, as we didn't have to make any trips in the snow.  After class was ended, they gave us a gift of appreciation - a beautiful oil painting of a Nova Scotia cove, and a beautiful picture of the Sacred Grove.  We were a little overwhelmed with their thoughfulness.  In our new assignment we will get to see them on an occasional basis as observers rather than as instructors.

We are gearing up for the new year and our new assignment.  We meet on a regular basis with Rick, our coordinator, to learn what he would like us to do when we go out to visit the many seminary and institute classes throughout the province.  The institute classes usually meet in the evenings, but the seminary classes usually meet in the EARLY mornings.  That may be a challenge to get from Halifax to their class on time, but we'll do our best to be good "students".

Pres. & Sis. "Moray"

Pres. Leavitt, our mission president, is anxious that the senior missionaries feel fulfilled with their mission experience, so he has get-togethers, as well as trips he sends or takes us on to see a little of other areas and couples.  Last weekend Elder Tiffany went with the president and Elder Wiebe, a senior Elder, to Bathurst, New Brunswick, located in the very northwest corner of that province - right across the Bay of Chaleurs (in the Gulf of St. Lawrence) from Quebec, about 350 miles from Halifax.  They had a lot of frozen rivers and a very cold wind coming off the bay, but no snow.


A very contented (after dinner)
Elder Nzojibwami &
Elder Skinner

We went up to help Elder and Sister Foley set up a new apartment for a senior couple coming in this week, and to determine where to put more missionaries.  Two sets of lady missionaries will probably be sent up to that area to open two more towns, as well as some French speaking missionaries and a couple to open a French area on the Gulf.  They have a small branch in a very nice, small chapel, and they are very loving and full of the spirit, with a great Branch President (don't know how to spell his name, but it's pronounced Moray).  Sis. "Moray" prepared a wonderful dinner for all of us, including Elders Skinner and Nzojibwami (Zoegeebwahmee) - French speaking missionaries in the area.

Elder and Sister Foley left this morning to go home to Salt Lake City.  They have been the mission office couple, and, like all head secretaries, have been the wheels that turned the mission.  They will be sorely missed, but those who have moved in to take their place will surely keep us going in the right direction.  Heavenly Father will not let His missionary work falter.  We had a nice dinner last Sunday evening at the mission home with senior missionaries from around the area, to give the Foleys our love and wish them well and a safe journey home.

Our temple assignment is a blessing.  We love being there every Thursday to serve with the locals and temple missionaries assigned there.  Elder and Sister DelaCruz got to see some snow fall last week.  It only lasted for about half an hour, but it was the first Elder DelaCruz had ever seen. so he was delighted.  He was happy, too, that there wasn't more to have to drive through.  That's right - December, and still no measurable snow, IN CANADA! (At least Nova Scotia)

We took Sis. Evelyn Roberts (mother of Trisha Jamison who introduced Joni to the church) to lunch and saw a few of the lobster boats coming back in with their catch.  It was a very cold day and we appreciate these men and women who sail out into the ocean to bring in the fresh fish, lobster, etc., DURING THE WINTER, for us to enjoy in our warm and cozy homes.

Sister T and Tayson (grandson on the apron)
with trees from friends and family

We've put up a Christmas tree with donations of decorations from Melissa, JJ, and Milford (Joni's brother).  We do hope that everyone is getting into the proper Christmas spirit, and remembering what it all represents.  We love our mission and we're very thankful for all of our blessings.  We miss our family at home and wherever they are, but we are among the very blessed because we are still close to Joni's family for the holidays, and at the same time spending our full time testifying of the love and blessings available through following the Savior all year long.

Some say we Mormons are TOO focused on Jesus; others say we are too religious for them; and still others say our lives are misdirected because we don't believe in Christ exactly as they do. We testify that the Savior should be our ONLY focus, that by observing and keeping His commandments is the ONLY way to lasting joy and happiness, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His church. Jesus Christ said: "Where two or three are gathered together IN MY NAME, there am I in the midst of them." (Matt. 18:20)

Life is an echo, what you send out comes back; what you sow - you reap; what you give - you get; what you see in others - exists in you.  Remember, life is an echo; it always gets back to you, so give goodness.  "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)

The common cry at this time of year is that we act differently during this holiday season than we do most of the rest of the year.  How many times have you heard that said?  As we near the day we celebrate as the anniversary of the birth of the Christ Child, let us resolve to have charity towards all, and malice towards none during the entire year, that we may emulate His life and purpose.

Samantha, Kristen, Erin, Shannon
a part of the Bridgewater institute class

Our fall semester in institute is coming to a close.  We taught our final fall class at Dalhousie University today, and we have two more classes in Bridgewater before Christmas break.  We really enjoy teaching and meeting with the youth, and our assignment with the YSA Branch is very fulfilling.  Our time in the YSA ward in Salt Lake City was a good primer, and we hope we get it right this time.  Engagements are happening and girls are becoming left-handed to show off their rings.  As one YSA Bishop said: "The hardware has been installed!"

Bro. Rick Cartier,
an awesome individual

We met with Bro. Cartier, our CES supervisor, last week and have been given a somewhat different road to follow.  He travels a lot (the entire mission) to keep tabs on all seminary and institute classes that are being taught, trying to give direction, train, and what not, besides teaching two or three classes here in the Halifax area and trying to maintain a family and serve in a bishopric.  He has asked that we teach two classes at Dalhousie each Tuesday, and cover all CES classes in Nova Scotia, less the Halifax area.  This means we'll be fine-tuning our own teaching methods, then training instructors throughout the entire province, as well as tracking attendance, motivating non-attenders to attend, and whatever else he's been doing, besides working with the YSA and their branch, and attending the temple on Thursdays.  We also will be doing a little service in the mission office.  It sounds like a lot, and maybe it is, but it keeps us busy and our time and efforts become more fulfilling.  We would rather be busy and doing, than trying to find things to do and feeling unfulfilled.  Occasionally we will have an opportunity to travel outside of Nova Scotia for mission or CES work, which will give us a chance to see some of the countryside.

This past Friday, November 23, we had an opportunity to go to the temple with a large number of YSA to do some ordinance work.  We've never had as many youth attend the temple in one night, and it was a very rewarding time.  We're going to see if we can change our YSA temple visits to Saturday so more youth can come from outlying areas, and we'll have more time for them to be involved and to feel the spirit that dwells there.

Elder Fisher, Jimmy Adamson,
& Elder Hardy

Sister Rust, Raju, & Sister Kowalski

The next day was baptism day.  We had the great opportunity to witness three baptisms.  The first was Jimmy Adamson, a new member of the Halifax 1st Ward (family ward).  He was baptized by Elder Hardy who is going home this coming Friday.  He is one of our favorites whom we love dearly and we'll miss him a lot.  That was in the early afternoon.  That evening we witnessed the baptism of two YSA - Raju, baptized by Bro. Green, the father of Raju's friend, Ricki.  The other was Stephanie Kenney, baptized by Elder Hunt.  We were thrilled and believe those who were attending were fed well by the Spirit.  We met with Stephanie and her mother (a devout Catholic) the Tuesday before, and her mother was very apprehensive of her daughter joining the Mormons!  The Spirit calmed her fears and she attended both the baptism and Sacrament Meeting the next day to witness the confirmation.  We met again with them on Monday night in their home, and Mom was completely warm and friendly, and the spirit was again very strong.

Elder Deem, Stephanie Kenney,
Elder Hunt, & Catherine (Steph's mom)

We are loving our time  in the mission field and are witnessing some wonderful things going on in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Our Savior is definitely in charge and directing His missionary work.  He is hastening His harvest, as is witnessed by the adjustment of missionary ages and changes He has made for senior missionaries to serve.  We are challenged to search out those He has prepared, to teach them and let them feel the spirit and receive the blessings we often take for granted - to become as He is.  Elder Richard G. Scott, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, has said: "We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.  Righteous character is a precious manifestation of what you are becoming...Righteous character is more valuable than any material object you own, any knowledge you have gained through study, or any goals you have attained."

We chose to chew at the Choo's

Bro. & Sis. Hartling

The Canadian Thanksgiving Day is the second Monday of October and we were invited to a couple of homes for wonderful dinners - JJ and Sheldon Choo on Sunday and Bro. and Sis. Hartling on Monday.  We had more invitations but two were plenty filling.  For the American Thanksgiving we were invited to a dinner at the "empty nesters" in Dartmouth on the Monday previous to Thanksgiving Day.  They invited all the American senior missionaries, and we had a lot of good food and great company. 

A couple of shots of the Mahone Bay harbor in November - beautiful no matter what month!

"The Barber" - Sister Tiff, giving Elder Hardy his last haircut in the mission field.  We want him to look good when he arrives home this coming Friday!



 

"There is absolutely nothing in this world that will provide more comfort and happiness than a testimony of the truth.  If you feel that you do not yet have the depth of testimony you would wish, I admonish you to work to achieve such a testimony.  If it is strong and deep, labor to keep it that way.  How blessed we are to have a knowledge of the truth." Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Oct. 2012

A few of the Lord's representatives

It is such a privilege to serve as representatives of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to share our testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel with the people we meet in the Canada Maritime provinces.  They are friendly and caring, and many are willing to take the time to listen to the message of the the restoration of His church to the earth in these latter days.  Many struggle with day to day challenges and temptations, looking for some kind of relief.  When the truths of the gospel are shared with those the Lord has prepared, a "wilderness" is left behind and peace, joy, and happiness shine brightly ahead.  Someone has said, "You have to go through your own wilderness to get to the Promised Land."  We testify that the Savior wants everyone to come to Him and enjoy that "promised land" with Him.

Our mission experiences are fitting into a routine now that doesn't change much from week to week.  But that is about to change.  With the Christmas Season closing in on us, school will take a break and so will our classes.  We have one more week with the students at Dalhousie University in Halifax, and two more weeks in Bridgewater.  In the new year, we will continue with Dalhousie classes, but we are being replaced in Bridgewater with a local member as the instructor.  The goal of the Church Education System is to have all institute and seminary classes taught by local members, with CES missionaries and coordinators training them in instructional methods.  So our new assignment will be to cover Nova Scotia (and occasionally other wards and branches) in training their instructors.  We're looking forward to the new challenges and experiences.

Sister Tiff with one of our favorites -
Sis. Bentley

Sister Tiff had a birthday not too long ago, and we celebrated by going to dinner at Bishop Wentzell's home, then to a "Trunk-or-treat" at the church.  We're real party animals.  There were a lot of phone calls from well-wishers, expressing their love for her and wishing her the best.



A small part of the Friday night
institute class

Our Friday night institute group is fairly large and Bro. Rick Cartier teaches a really dynamic lesson.  He really knows how to get us into the scriptures and see how important and easy it is to get answers to our challenges and problems through the scriptures.

Last Friday night after institute class, we had a stake talent night for YSA.  There is a lot of talent, from dancing, to theater arts, to singing, and all kinds of instrumental music.  They are a lot of fun and keep us on our toes trying to keep up with them.  Our talent is to be an appreciative audience.

Sis. Wiebe, the Foley's, Sis. Calvert
(Elder Wiebe is freezing behind the lighthouse)

Sister Tiff catching a few rays.

Elder and Sister Wiebe arrived in our mission a couple of weeks ago, replacing Elder and Sister Pierson.  They are living in the same apartment building next to us as the Piersons were, but we don't see them very often because they are training to take up some of the mission office activity when Elder and Sister Foley go home next month.  We went with the Wiebe's, the Foley's, and Sister Calvert to Peggy's Cove on a very sunny and beautiful day, but the wind was VERY COLD.  The North Atlantic is a very cold host.

Watching "Cars 2"

Dave, Nat, Norah, & Keegan
(Sister Tiff's Nephew & family)

This past weekend President Leavitt gave us permission to spend with Sister Tiffany's family in Liverpool.  It was a very nice visit with a lot of time to catch up on family notes and laughs.  They have been very supportive and ask a lot of questions about our missionary work.  One of the activities of the weekend was building a Gingerbread House at Karen's, our niece.  It's an annual family affair, but Sister Tiff hasn't ever been here to join in, so we were excited to be there.  We also took a drive out to the local beaches to give John and Lil a break from the house.  John has Parkinson's so neither are able to get out very much.


 At right is part of the "construction crew", preparing to build their Gingerbread House, with our niece Karen checking out the building supplies.
Below is the finished product.  As they say on Nova Scotia's south shore: "Some good, you!  Ain't it?!"

Joni at Beach Meadows
on a friendlier day than at Peggy's Cove

John, Joni, Lil
At White Point Beach Lodge
 

 

We are truly blessed to be here at this time. Though we aren't trudging through thick jungles (like Elder Tiffany's brother and sister-in-law in Guam) nor through deep snow (like Pres. and Sis. Pitt in West Virginia), we have the same challenge: to be representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ; to do what He would do, to say what He would say, to be a living modern witness in word and deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous latter-day work. A major focus of the gospel is to put families together. To quote Elder L. Tom Perry, a living Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ: "Through all the fast-paced changes occurring around us, we earnestly pray and work to ensure that the values of the gospel of Jesus Christ endure. Already some of them are in jeapordy of being lost. At the top of the list of these values and, therefore, prime targets of the adversary, are the sanctity of marriage and the central importance of families. They provide an anchor and the safe harbor of a home where each child of a loving Heavenly Father can be influenced for good and acquire eternal values."
(General Conference, Oct. 2012)