Christmas this year was meaningful, spiritual quiet and fulfilling. We started off at our apartment listening to the Tab. Choir and opening a few cards and a care package or two from the Mission Pres. and his wife, from Tiffany Orien and a "we need goodies" box sent to us from home by son Kent. Jean got a new, very cool winter coat and I, a new scarf and hat from the world famous tie maker here in Poland, Adams Collection. It was then off to the Branch where we had a great meal of turkey with most of the trimmings. The senior sisters are some of the best cooks in the land, although Jean's mashed potatoes were super even without the usual saurkraut and garlic. After the meal we enjoyed the company of those serving on a mission here in the Warsaw area plus a few invited guests. While most were conversing, I took leave of myself and went to the kitchen where I rolled up the white shirt sleeves and promptly did all the dishes and cooking utensils. (I wanted this on record as it may never happen again!) Afterwards, we returned to our flat, shed the Church clothes and replaced them with some 'comfeys' and settled into watching a DVD which we had of course seen a time or two before. Looking back to a week ago I can reflect a little as to what it was like to be 7500 miles from home and without all the normal Christmas fanfare, costs and other fast-paced events leading up to the day. In a word, it was just wonderful! And the best part about it, aside from the purpose for being here, was that we, Jean and I were together to share in this experience. If this keeps up, before we are done we just might become even better freinds and more in love than we already are, if this is possible. (For those from the LV Stake, you will notice the photo of the 'Las Vegas Connection' of Paul and Nola Harber, and Pres. & Sister Nielson and ourselves.)
Christmas this year was meaningful, spiritual quiet and fulfilling. We started off at our apartment listening to the Tab. Choir and opening a few cards and a care package or two from the Mission Pres. and his wife, from Tiffany Orien and a "we need goodies" box sent to us from home by son Kent. Jean got a new, very cool winter coat and I, a new scarf and hat from the world famous tie maker here in Poland, Adams Collection. It was then off to the Branch where we had a great meal of turkey with most of the trimmings. The senior sisters are some of the best cooks in the land, although Jean's mashed potatoes were super even without the usual saurkraut and garlic. After the meal we enjoyed the company of those serving on a mission here in the Warsaw area plus a few invited guests. While most were conversing, I took leave of myself and went to the kitchen where I rolled up the white shirt sleeves and promptly did all the dishes and cooking utensils. (I wanted this on record as it may never happen again!) Afterwards, we returned to our flat, shed the Church clothes and replaced them with some 'comfeys' and settled into watching a DVD which we had of course seen a time or two before. Looking back to a week ago I can reflect a little as to what it was like to be 7500 miles from home and without all the normal Christmas fanfare, costs and other fast-paced events leading up to the day. In a word, it was just wonderful! And the best part about it, aside from the purpose for being here, was that we, Jean and I were together to share in this experience. If this keeps up, before we are done we just might become even better freinds and more in love than we already are, if this is possible. (For those from the LV Stake, you will notice the photo of the 'Las Vegas Connection' of Paul and Nola Harber, and Pres. & Sister Nielson and ourselves.) 
The true meaning of Christmas....you have it all.
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