Apache Christmas Nativity Scenes

Here are some of the Apache Christmas Nativity Scenes. They go traditional all the way!

We went to a funeral on Christmas Eve at the Catholic Church for Sister Viola's sister. They actually had a tent set up in the cathederal for the funeral. It was a very traditional catholic ceremony with Holy Smoke, many prayers (which we had to stand for) and prayers kneeling on benches. We saw a lot of people we had tracted into on the reservation. They were all kind to us. Sister Viola was afraid that they wouldn't let us into the church because of our missionary tags so she said if they questioned us to just tell them that SHE invited us. She is so sweet.

More Branch Christmas Party Pres Morgan 2010

Here are more pictures from the Branch Christmas Party with President Morgan. We had a lot of fun with no preparation.

Love those Apache's!!!

Pres Morgan's Branch Christmas Party

President Morgan wasn't happy with the last Branch Christmas Party so he organized another one on the spur of the moment (Apache Style) We had totally different people come to this one. He and his wife sacked up Christmas fruit and candy for the kids and wanted Dad to be the Santa but they didn't have a Santa Suit. There were no games planned or activities so Dad and I started singing Chrismtas Carols. That started the ball rolling. Then Pres Morgan asked the primary kids to sing a few songs, so I jumped in and we started singing. The kids loved performing. I suggested a musical chairs to Christmas songs on the piano and they loved it!! We laughed and teased each other. Then I suggested a bean bag toss into some bowls at the church with M&M candies. Everyone had a great time and it was fun. It amazes me how little planning you really need to create a party. Love those Apaches

Merry Christmas Everyone

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR from two missionaries out on the Apache Reservation who are loving life!!!!! We have to take a moment to tell all of you how proud we are of you and what beautiful familes you have. We are so proud!!!!!! Sometimes we wonder why the Lord blesses us so much. I don't think there is another couple who have some wonderful children. We are so proud of you.

We are blessed to have the gospel in our lives and to know who we are. We have been the message of the Restored gospel which we are trying to share with others. Oh, if only we could take them back home with us and let them see our family and what the gospel of Jesus Christ does. If they could see how happy we all are even if we have problems because we know that our Heavenly Father loves us. We are so blessed.

We love you all and hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

Love Mom and Dad

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church

We were driving around the reservation and came across this church "Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Our Branch President was actually married here with his present wife. It is a small church. Notice the flowers at the side of the church. People come here with flowers to give to Mary when they pray. Also notice the little crosses and signs of the cross that are placed in the church walls People put messages in there and use these symbols to pray with.

Then while driving around we were stopped by the POLICE!!!! This is the second time he has stopped us and asked us what we were doing on the reservation. Of course, we told him we were clergy and here on a mission. He said he didn't get into that kind of stuff and said we shouldn't be out here unescorted. He asked us if we had a letter from a Native American saying we were invited to be here. Of course, we said no. Then he reinforced that we were not Native American and we should hit the road!!!!!! And stay on Highway US 70.

Well, if that is the case, we might as well not be here because I don't know of anyone who would just invite us. So we went home and called President Morgan. He just laughed and said he would write us a letter stating we were here sharing the gospel on the reservation. Now, of course, I am nervous everytime we leave US 70.

More Branch Christmas Party

Here are some more pictures for the Branch Christmas Party

Branch Christmas Party

Hi,

We just had our Branch Christmas Party on Thursday. It was very different than the last party at the branch. Pres Morgan asked his daughter to plan it and she wasn't quite sure what was expected. We just barely had enough food. She did not call anyone so the attendance was very small. The Relief Society Pres, who usually plans these parties did not come because she was not involved. My, oh My, This was hard. Anyway, we had a great time reading stories and singing songs. The next Sunday, Pres Morgan has asked all of us to bring candy, apples and oranges to give to the Children for Christmas. So I guess we are going to have another Christmas party. I'm not sure if Santa is coming or not. These branch members are learning how to follow through on assignments I guess.

Here are the pictures.

Misc Mission PIctures

Good bye to Elder Willey from St George Utah. He was our first District Leader. We will miss him. And . . . .. . . other mission pictures.

TEXAS

Yup, we're in Texas!!!! We drive to Lubbock Texas about 4-5 times a year to meet with the Mission President and have conferences. It is a great time. So while we were traveling we decided to take a few pictures of this great state. Everything is big in Texas!

Ruidoso Christmas Light Show

That is is a must see! The city of Ruidoso puts on a fantastic light parade down the winding streets of Ruidoso at night for Christmas. It is filled with music and lights everywhere. I have never seen such a beautiful parade. They had about 45 entries and they were all glittery and shining up and down the streets. They are famous for this parade. We actually knew about 4 people who were in the parade. I hope you enjoy these pictures.

Merry Christmas from us to you!

More Mission Christmas Party Pictures

Here are some more Mission Christmas Party Pictures. Great Time!

Mission Christmas Party

Wow, what a great time we had at the Mission Christmas Party. We drove to Lubbock Texas and was able to stay at the mission home iwthPresident and Sister Robison. that in itself is a real treat, we love being with them. Then we were treated to a fantastic Christmas party at the church, which was decorated up very bright and Christmasy. The elders and sisters are so much fun to be around. I have never laughed so hard and enjoyed myself. It is great to be around the youth and they are all very friendly and courteous to us. As a matter of fact they make us feel like royalty. We had a great program and lots of entertainment and President Robison even gave me a moment to bear my testimony and tell about our feels on our bapism with Sister Viola. It was a great time. Here are some pictures of our party