A Missionary Christmas

So grateful for blessings!! So grateful that we could gather our family, Mom, Dad, Brother and Sisters, and Grandparents to Skpe with Mitch for Christmas for over an hour! Soo Soooo grateful for the inactive/nonmember family that had Mitchell and his amazing companion, Elder Vasquez, over to help them both connect to their families. I know that it literally cost them sooo much for our missionary to use their computer. May the Lord's choices blessing come to them!

 Elder Westenskow is doing great!! He had his first two Baptisms on December 22, 2014 He was so excited to bring them both down into the water. Other than loosing over 30 pounds he is loving the place, loving the people, and loving everything about teacher this amazing gospel!! He is just such a good kid!! How did we get so lucky??? Our Family has received sooo many blessing because of his service. Thanks to family, friends, and people we don't even know!! Love you all so much!

 A Missionary Christmas

 I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn't there. No pictures taken with Santa Clause, My decorating has no flair. His presents are shoes, shirts, 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 Zions, their sacrifice was so much more. My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton. Always 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 make his soul divine. The stories and lessons he's always heard, his choice and mine are one. I'll put my faith in God's hand.

 This year... I'm giving Christ my son. 

I know there's One who understands the sacrifice I'm making. Who know that 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

 Love our Missionary more than words can say...and miss him soo much it hurts...wouldn't want him anywhere else at this time of his life. Looking forward to next weeks letter and pictures of his baptisms. And I can't wait until Mothers Day when we can do this again!!