[Mesa-Coolidge-Mesa]

With my sad ankles, and being far from our Sacrament meeting, we just didn't bring church clothes, hence we stayed home. Reading, writing and listening to Christmas music. We opened personal gifts and Santa had a couple of things for Donna. We left at 11:00 to go to Coolidge—Mike and Jerri’s place first. We saw their gifts and it’s always neat to talk with Jerri and Mike. On to Susan’s at 1:00 and enjoy their family and Christmas. Soon all the families began arriving and finally at 4:00 we all ate. Great food, as always. Every one of our family was present—all 40 of us. Before we opened the presents—each family drew the name of another family—we all sat down and I made our grand announcement. “It appears we will receive a call to a mission in Portugal.” Looks of wonderment, joy, surprise, shock, etc!! But, everyone positive, all supportive. We explained the care of Donna and asked all for their support of Susan and Larry in that project. No problem!! We told how the notice had come, and that a call still was not official. Then we all opened presents. I got some nice stuff, but as always, the joy that came to me was in seeing my family together, watching their faces, and enjoying their company. Christmas is 90% children’s faces. I reserve my adoration of the savior for another time. Our family has the best children’s faces anyplace. The classic comment of the day came from Lindsay, when she turned to me and said, “But who will tend us?” (Until these last 4 months, Marian has always been available when the kids got sick, and our Chandler place was always a drop-off point for the family when Moms and Parents went shopping or to meetings; hence Lindsay’s memory of a cozy and secure backup system.) When we left finally for home at Mesa (my Mom’s), we left with real torn feelings. It seems something is started now that will not stop. With the completion of this family meeting, the “ifs” and “what-ifs” are over. If the Lord will have us, our faces are now set for His call to Portugal. Lots remains to be done, but our response to a call now can be 100% “I’ll Go where…” Our family is with us. That was the only hurdle we felt needed clearing. (What other hurdle could there be? All others are secondary. With the Lord’s help now, we can accomplish whatever He asks.)

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