Christmas In South Africa - 2012

With all the busies of helping out all those branch members who were struggling with illnesses, we hurried to get last minute preparations ready for Christmas.  Sister Omer had asked the Senior Couples if we would do a Christmas Devotional for the Elders followed by a brunch.  We had last minute shopping to do for that.  In addition, we were worried that some of the Elders might not get a Christmas package, or that their package might not arrive in time for Christmas, so we decided to do a package for them.  Knowing that their monthly allotment doesn't always allow for extras like jam and snacks, we decided to get some of those items for each of them, as well as a pack of pens to keep track of all their appointments.  We wrapped each item individually and put the small gifts in a large gift bag along with some fresh fruit, a bag of homemade chocolate chip cookies and a plate of homemade candies.  Two of our Elders were transfered a week before Christmas, so we gave them their Christmas bags the day that they left.  We were sad to see them go, but because they are such strong Elders, we know they will do a great job as District Leaders in their new areas.

The two new Elders that we got in each companionship are equally as great!  The one who is  the District Leader, Elder Center, in the Nelspruit Area is from Nevada, and was raised on a farm and truly knows how to work.  The other Elder who  serves in the KaNyamazane area, Elder Handerade, is from Zimbabwe.  He is a  truly remarkable young man.  Both have been out  almost a year and are very dedicated to the work. This is the first Christmas away from home for all of these Elders.  We were excited to have them over to be our "family" since this was our first Christmas away from home as well, and since Sister and Elder Moss have gone home, we are starting to feel like orphans.

We planned a menu which consisted of ham, potato salad, chicken macaroni salad, Christmas jello salad,  Vegetable tray and ranch dip, chips and shrimp dip and onion and garlic dip, Chile cheese dip and Avocado and bean dip and chips, Oatmeal fudge bars, fresh baked orange rolls, and homemade candies, and a punch bowl. Because Sister Omer had moved the devotional to 11:00 instead of 10:00 to give the Elders time to study, we decided to eliminate the breakfast items and just concentrate on a lunch buffet instead.  I tried to get most of my items made the day before so we could just  enjoy Christmas without a lot of food preparations that day.   I did get most of it done with the exception of a couple of the dips.  Because we had invited Sister Precious over for a Family Home Evening, I cleaned up my kitchen a bit early so we could be ready for her family.

I hurried to make a "White Stocking" for her because she wouldn 't be here next year for the Ward Party when I would give each family a White Stocking to give their gifts for Jesus.  Just before I finished the stocking, the Elders came over early like we had asked them, so we could give them their Christmas packages to have for Christmas morning.  How fun it was to see their faces light up as we  reached each bag from under the tree and handed it to them. Elder Handerade couldn't believe all these gifts were really for him.  He looked into the bag and his eyes got big and said, "Is this all for me?"  A large grin came across his face when I told him that it was.  We visited for a few minutes before we said our good-byes until morning and wished each a "Merry Christmas".

Elder Handerade on left with his package, and Elder Mower on right sampling one of the homemade cookies.  No need to wait until morning, right?  These Elders serve in the KaNyamazane area.  

Do you love my sad poinsettia?  It was three times that size, but has been continually shedding its petals and leaves.

Elder Center on left, our District Leader is from Nevada, and Elder Brinkerhoff on right has lived in England the past 10 years, but his family has since moved to Colorado.  They serve in the Nelspruit area.  It was the Elders' "P" day in case you're wondering about their casual dress.

I finished the stocking, in time.  We got everything ready to act out the Nativity, and the oranges ready for the story of the  "Christmas Orange."  Before long we received a phone call from Precious saying they had to make one stop and would be there directly.  We continued to wait.  Finally, about 8:45 they arrived.  However, not all of their family was there.  Her husband was home trying to unclog a toilet and the 5 year old son had stayed with him.  Given that it was Christmas Eve, late, and not all her family was there, we decided to cut the FHE short and send the things home with her so they could be together for a bit before bedtime.  We were sad because her husband isn't a member and we were in hopes he would feel the spirit of the season as we celebrated the birth of our Savior.

Christmas morning I arose early to check on the ham in the crock pot and read scriptures for a bit as well as put the finishing touches on the devotional program.  We took a few minutes to do our Christmas and unwrap the packages under our tree.    I then hurried to get ready so I could finish any last minute things before the Elders got here.

Santa even comes to South Africa!

The stockings were filled, even without a chimney!

Christmas morning!

Too much fun!!

The Elders were prompt and came with scriptures and hymn books ready for our devotional.  It turned out very beautiful as we sang Christmas Carols that went with each part of the scriptures telling about the birth of the Savior.  Lynn had  typed up the order for everyone to do their part.  I shared my testimony and each one in turn shared some feelings about Christmas and bore their testimony.  It was a very spiritual meeting.  What a great way to start Christmas Day!

After the devotional, I took a few minutes to pull my things out of the fridge, slice the ham and put the punch in the bowl.  When we called them to eat, Elder Handerade took one look at the buffet and immeditely grabbed his camera.  He said, "I have never seen a Christmas like this!  We don't exchange presents, and sometimes we might slaughter a goat and roast it, but I have never seen a Christmas like this one.  Sister Baxter, I will never forget the Christmas of  2012!"

He needs to know that we never will either!

The Elders filled their plates and went back for seconds.  When they could hold no more, we sat around the table and visited for a few minutes.  When we were sure no one was going back for thirds, Elder Baxter gathered the Elders up and they went to the Church to use the internet for them to call their families for their Christmas calls. He took the computer and let them use our g-talk account to save their parents some dollars.  They each had an hour scheduled for their calls.  I stayed home to clear up the food and get take home containers ready for each companionship.  After getting the Elders going on their phone calls, Elder Baxter came back to help with dishes and gather some games and desserts ready to take over to do while the others were on the phone.

The Elders really had a good time playing Scrabble, Snakes and Ladders and Timberrrrr.  They snacked on oatmeal fudge bars, orange rolls, milk and punch and candy.  Some of the parents called them back to finish their conversations.  Each missionary was on cloud nine after he hung up from his phone call.  They walked as though they were walking on clouds as they ate another roll and had another glass of milk.

About 7:00, each one had finished their phone call, so we gathered things up and went back to our flat to get their take home packages from the fridge and get them on their way.  The KaNyamazane Elders had stayed with our elders who live in our same complex, to save k's on their vehicle and to obey the President about not driving on Christmas eve and day because of all the drinking drivers out on the roads.  They were all beaming from ear to ear as they carried their things out to their cars.

Now it was time for us to start making our phone calls to our families. At least some of them would be up and ready to make phone calls.  It was good to talk to them.  We were only able to make connections with 5 of our 10 kids, but we left greetings and messages on their phones so they would know we had tried to get a hold of them.  The ones we were't able to reach, we tried early the next morning, which would be their Christmas night.  I started making a call at 6:00 a.m. thinking  at 9:00 p.m. their time I could still catch them.  Wouldn't you know it?  The internet wasn't working.  It said there was a problem and it couldn't connect.  GROWL!  I knew some of the kids would be sad to not make connections on Christmas.  Oh well!  I prayed and read my scriptures for a bit.  About 2 hours later I tried again and  wahoo, the internet was finally working!  It was good to get to talk to everyone.

Though our family Christmas was just through gmail, the Elders made up for the family that wasn't here.  We felt good that we had been able to make up for the families of theirs that weren't here either.  It had been a great Christmas and probably one of the most spiritual that I had ever had.  What wonderful blessings the Lord gives us as we do his work!  We hope each of your Christmases were just as great!

Love,

Elder and Sister Baxter