Wow I cannot
believe that Christmas has already come and passed! It's crazy how much
has happened in this past year and how far I feel like I've come since
last Christmas. I was still just a little greenie and now I'm gettin'
long in the tooth! Not quite like papa Troy 😂😜 But I only have one
skype left! Speaking of, skyping was really fun! It was really nice to
see the fam bam! I'm really happy that everyone was all together this
year. Especially because I only had 40 minutes!!
So
for Christmas Eve (which is Christmas here) we had to take care of all
the mail. So we had to go around in the morning and pick up a bunch of
packages and mail and then sort it all and enter in all this information
and do all that stuff like I usually do on Fridays. But we had to do it
all quickly on Thursday in the morning/early afternoon. Then we had to
go and take it all over to the different houses and places so that the
missionaries could have it for Christmas. We didn't end up eating lunch
until like 4 haha. But we got it all done and went straight over to the
AP's area to go Christmas caroling with them. We went to a bunch of
different people houses in their area and sang Christmas hymns and gave
them gifts. Everyone loved it! (Especially us blue eyed Americans with
Santa hats on 😁) haha. The first house we went to, it was an older
couple and we talked with them for a minute. Then we sang a song to them
and it was seriously such a bomb song! Like we all don't have good
singing voices at all but I swear we were in such sync and we legit
sounded so on point! It was so spiritual and when we all looked up after
we finished, they were both crying! The husband had a tear running down
his cheek and the wife was just balling her eyes out! It was so
awesome! Haha. They thanked us a ton and were just so happy. Then we
went and did the same at a bunch of other houses but all the rest were
all on their doorstep or just really quickly because we had a lot of
people to visit. Then we went to a members house for dinner. Dinner on
the 24th here is a big deal. It's like what everyone waits in
anticipation for. We were all going to go together, but right when we
were about to go, the APS got called because there was an emergency
with a couple of missionaries like 45 minutes away and there was a ton
of traffic. So they didn't end up getting to eat with us :/ Then
Christmas morning was super nice. Early in the morning we went and
played basketball at our church with like 15 of us missionaries and one
member. It was really fun but it was raining so we all sucked pretty
bad. Then we just took it easy and opened the packages sent to us which
were very appreciated!! Elder Castillo was super happy and surprised and
it was really fun seeing him open the presents for him from my family!
Then later on, we skyped! That was obviously great and super fun! It was
super fun seeing the new babies!! Zeke is so big! And Keoni is a big
fatty! Haha. And Tanner is a little man! When did he get a deep voice!?
Hahaha. The time flew by and 40 minutes is unjust! Haha. Simply not
enough. But I'll be back in no time so it's all good. It was really fun
that Elder Castillo finally got to meet his American family! He calls my
parents mommy and papi, haha. Then later in the day we went around our
area with the AP's again and sang and stuff again. Then before we knew
it, the day was over and Christmas too!
Today
was P day so it has been a super nice two day break! Haha. We went to a
super cool waterfall and it was like up in the mountains a bit and it
was cold! Did not whatsoever look or feel like the Caribbean. It's been
rainy and cold here lately. (Cold... pshhh as if I even know what cold
is!) And now we are back to the grind!
I
just want to say that this has been a fun and great Christmas!
Definitely not the average Christmas with the family, celebrating
together, eating lots of goodies and what not. But what makes it so
great is just that. We are out in foreign lands speaking foreign
languages, eating foreign foods. And to be honest, it's super great
because you (I) have such a greater appreciation for my family and being
together. And these past two Christmases I have especially appreciated
and took to heart a lot more of the real reason of Christmas which is
our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. It's just humbling out here. Not
once did I see people worried or stressed out about gifts or presents.
Not once did I see a child sad for not getting anything. Because the
difference here is that the people are just so happy and content with a
solid meal on the 24th and being together. It's simple. And I really
like that. I mean, I would be lying if I didn't say that on every corner
there are a bunch of drunk people and loud music. But those who aren't
about that life are just simple and easygoing.
Anyway,
it was a great Christmas for Elder Greer and I'm sad that it's my last
here. I really love it and I am super content with all of the memories I
have as of right now. I am stoked I got a solid 7 month left to rock
it!
Love you all and Merry Christmas!!
Elder Greer
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