Thursday, December 26, 1968

Monday I also started a letter to my brother Jerry. I added the post-script last evening.

A year has quickly slipped by and Christmastime is already here again. I suppose its onward rush continuing, time will so quickly bring by the next two holiday seasons that my mission will be only history and I will be back reunited with loved ones—friends and family—in my beloved homeland. I guess it is but natural to feel a bit nostalgic (and homesick even) at this season of the year—and so I do. Were I kept constantly busy, which I'm not right now because of my foot, there would be no time to be homesick. But though such now is my unlucky lot, I will shortly recover.

The Johnson family is a great collection of wonderful people, and I am now blessed to share in their company this week. President Johnson is certainly a man of God. His wife is an angel, a perfect compliment to her husband, and a special mother. Their children, Daran (age 8), Jill (age 13), and Craig (age 17 next month), live here in Brazil. A married son lives in Provo.

It's hard to know how to really say thanks to someone who is deserving of a great deal of thanks. But to you I say: thanks for your support and your love and your concern and all you mean to me. Your financial support, even as it is difficult, particularly as it is difficult, demonstrates that you are indeed a disciple of Christ. If ever things become impossible, just let me know, because I can share this with you (although I'm sure he doesn't care to have it broadcast all over): Bob Russell has offered me his help at any time it might become necessary. He too has dedicated to the Lord his all—including his time, talents, energies, resources, and even life—to the building of the kingdom. This is why my home and my heart will be ever open to him. I wish only that you knew Bob as I have been privileged to know him.

Karen's package was exciting. Inside were various other wrapped packages, labeled "Christmas 1968," "Christmas 1969," "Birthday 1969," "Birthday 1970." Another said "Anytime." It was from her family—the book Man May Know for Himself by President McKay. Also included were about five types of homemade candy. The Christmas present was a homemade calendar for the coming year with appropriate and inspirational pictures, scriptures, and quotations on each page. That a lot of work was required in preparation is evident. What did Karen receive from all of you?

Have you seen the November Improvement Era? I did just this week, and it is fantabulous. If you have read it, study it again. I was particularly impressed and instructed with the article wherein was asked the question, "When did you last receive a personal revelation?" Is not that what the gospel is all about? As I see it, living the commandments is only to make us worthy to receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Then we begin living the meat of the gospel as the Spirit, leading us by revelation, leads us from grace to grace and from perfection to perfection until that perfect day when we come into the Savior's own presence. How glorious will be that day!

The dinner hour is nearly here and I must prepare now for that. My special Christmas treat has been sharing the spirit and life of the Savior's early ministry by reading again Talmage's Jesus the Christ. Please send me a detailed account of life in Nampa, especially of Christmas at our house, and of growth in the Nampa Fifth Ward from time to time. I need letters—oh, it makes being a missionary so much easier, especially letters uplifting and inspiring and instructing. Sometimes letters are too much like news broadcasts (I am guilty of this sometimes) and need to be a little more from the heart. Real communication is from one soul to another, by the power of the Spirit. I hope my sharing of my mission will be edifying and uplifting to you.

Remember me in your prayers, as I do all of you in mine. English is an inadequate language, and so it is hard to express in words the swellings of a deeply grateful heart. Let this be an attempt: you are the greatest brother anyone could want to ask for. Thanks for everything. May the Lord be with you and His peace be upon you.

Post–Christmas postscript: Since I didn't quite mail this yet, I will add a few more thoughts here. Tonight is the evening of Christmas Day 1968, which is now only happy memory for all practical purposes. The day has been long and tiring and warm and rewarding. I am grateful for all that Christmas really means—for life itself, for love, for the gospel, for a wonderful family, for supporting friends, for the Savior and His life and all He has done for us.

Early this morning I was up to share Christmas with the Johnson family, having ever as much fun watching their enjoyment without receiving any gifts myself.

Later all the elders in the mission within close distance to headquarters (about 80 percent of the missionaries) were here for the festivities of the day. Sister Johnson prepared a fantastic meal, with ham and turkey and root beer and baked potatoes and Jell-o—all of which are not found elsewhere in Brazil. In the afternoon was a program, followed by community singing of carols with yours truly at the keyboard. We all had a great time, even me still hopping around on a sore foot. I guess right now mine is the most popular toe in the entire mission.

As things look now, I hope to return to Petrópolis on Monday to finally begin work again—that is, if the toes will cooperate.

Please tell Gene and Cheryl and Ray and Sheryl hello for me, wishing them all a happy new year. Tell them I will try to write them whenever a chance pops up.