CHARISOL ON A MISSION

There's a lot of chicken bi'nesses (southern for businesses) here.

Sunday

Last Sunday we went to church in Fayetteville. We went to the YSA branch in the Institute Building. It was such a nice experience. I kept thinking what a blessing it was that these young people were there in church. It’s the best place to find yourself and find out what God wants for you. One young man had scruffy jeans on and a t-shirt and was covered in tattooes. Yay for him for being there. Yay for everyone there for making him welcome.

One of the speakers told us about Good King Wenceslas and I loved that. I’ve never read or heard all of the words, nor have I known who he is. All I know is it's a good piano piece for beginners.

This is the blue suit brigade we found at church...future missionaries.

Since Elder Johnson had on a blue suit too, we had to get a picture. This is at the normal Fayetteville ward.

Housing Coordinator

Monday - I've been trying to sign up for utilities for an apartment for 3 weeks. I'm now 10 days late for when the lease started. Every time I'd call I was told I couldn't do it online, I couldn't do it over the phone, I couldn't do it by email, maybe next week I could. Finally someone told me there is no other way except to go there. So after that phone call, Chris and I got in the car and drove 2 hours to Fort Smith. I didn't have to sign anything. I answered a couple of questions while the lady typed on her computer and we were done. ARE YOU KIDDING?! THAT'S IT?! We drove for 2 hours for this? I was calm and nice the whole time.

An Elder called me this week and said, "May I order a few things? This apartment I just got transferred to doesn't have anything to cook with. I seriously don't think anyone ever cooked here before." I said sure. One of the things he asked for was a meat thermometer. How funny is that? Chris asked me if I let him have one. I said, "Are you kidding me? If he wants a meat thermometer. He's gonna get one!" So our sacred tithing funds just bought that cute missionary a meat thermometer.

Missionaries

Tuesday was a Missionary Leadership Council. Our office staff always fixes the lunch. We were eating with some missionaries and one of the Sisters said to her companion, "Let's go get some more meat. It's probably the only protein we'll get all week."

I seriously am amazed at how often people plan meals for missionary events. There are SAINTS all over this world.

This is Elder Jenkins, my cousin. I'm a Jenkins too. I questioned him about his ancestors and when he said Newton, Utah, I knew we were related. We come from the same John Jenkins (my great grandfather), but different wives.

Missionaries love their Savior

Wednesday and Thursday we had two big combined zone conferences for Christmas. Wednesday included two zones. Thursday included 3 zones. We had a testimony meeting in the morning and then fun and games all afternoon. I hope I remember the testimony meetings the rest of my life. We sat in the chapel full of missionaries and listened to 2 hours of testimonies that were ALL centered on Jesus Christ. Not one testimony deviated from Him. I can't describe what that felt like. I was able to think about my own love for Jesus Christ and remember all the things he's done for me. I love Him and He daily accepts my repentance, salves my soul, heals my wounds, fills my cracks, and loves me. He lifts up my children and my grandchildren and calms my mother's heart. Without Him, I wouldn't even get up in the morning. There would be no reason to. There would be no hope. I love this time of year when we celebrate His birth.
Thanks be to God for his beloved Son!

This is Chris: One of the Sisters who bore her testimony said, "Jesus Christ is not a mascot." Serving here in the Bible Belt, I sometimes think that's who many feel about him. It was a sweet thought.

Zone Conference - Games and Talent
Missionaries work hard and they play hard. It was so fun to watch them play games, especially dodge ball. Man, they are competitive. The look on their faces was priceless. If I got hit by one of those balls I would have to go to the emergency room. They had a cup stacking contest and played all kinds of games. We also had a talent show. That was a blast! So many serious, fun, and crazy talents. Missionaries are so cute!