Feliz Navidad!

The primary program was a success! It was done Nica style with decorations and the children having a luncheon afterwards. Laurie was assigned the banner, the balloons, the luncheon, sharing time, and to speak by the Branch President. Her experience in primary came in handy. Decorating for the program is common in Central America.

Our mission Christmas party was held at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Managua. It started by the pool with muffins, juice, and pictures with the president. We moved inside to a beautifully decorated ballroom where we were entertained by a movie, lunch, and a missionary talent show.  Afterwards, more pictures with the president and some of our favorite missionaries. Everyone had a "merry" time.

During our adventure in Managua we passed by "La Casa Del Whopper" which was located next to the Grand Cathedral and the National Palace. The cathedral was damaged in an earthquake several years ago and is still being renovated. Just past the National Palace the Main Street of Managua was decorated with 3 blocks of Nativities on both sides of the street depicting their version of the Savior's birth.

Laurie brought to Nicaragua her tradition of baking Christmas cookies and delivering them to our neighbors, members of the three branches, and missionaries. She had to be innovative in making them as several of the ingredients weren't available. They were a hit as we are taking orders for next year. 😜 We also wanted to help some of our really impoverished members so we made food bags (they don't have baskets) and delivered them with the missionaries. We went into each home, sang a Christmas hymn, and gave a spiritual message about how the birth of the Savior is a great gift to us from our Heavenly Father and of the many gifts the Savior gave to us during His earthly mission.

Since Christmas is celebrated in Nicaragua and most Central American countries on the 24th, we invited the missionaries serving with us in Estelí to Christmas dinner. Laurie served an incredible "American" dinner, without rice and beans, which was enjoyed by all. We can't believe how much missionaries eat! After dinner, we had a short Christmas program where we sang Christmas hymns, watched a Nativity video from Light the World, and read the Christmas story found in Luke. It was a privilege for me to read it in Spanish for our Central American missionaries. We had a great time together!

¡Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.