Merry Christmas!!

December 16, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

As we celebrate our first Christmas in Japan, our thoughts turn to those back home that we love so very much. We miss being home to enjoy in the many traditions and joy the holiday season brings. However, we feel blessed to have the experience we now enjoy. Although Christmas is not the same here in Japan, when we think about all of you and the wonderful memories we have of you, it makes our hearts warm and full of love.

We are so thankful this time of year to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. He means so very much to us. We appreciate Him more now than we ever have. We are thankful to have Him in our lives. We feel His love and kindness constantly in our behalf. We feel it a privilege to represent Him in Japan. We know He lives and loves each one of us. We will do our best to honor His name.

We don't understand all the words when we sing or hear the Christmas songs and hymns in Japanese, but the music is the same and touches our hearts. Knowing we are all brothers and sisters of a loving Heavenly Father, makes you feel close wherever you live.
We hope and pray that each of you will have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will be enjoying it a day ahead of you. Japan has its privileges. We appreciate each of you and the love and support that you give to us. We miss you all. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Love,
Sherm and Sherry

Thanksgiving and Christmas decor...

Right before we were to sit down for our Thanksgiving dinner, the missionaries had me come sit on the couch, and one by one they came in through the front door, handed me a rose, and told me what they were thankful for. The last missionary to come in, gave me the vase, with a card that said 'Thank you for all you do, we love you.'

This was such a wonderful thing for them to do for me. I cried and cried. I love my family so much, and am so thankful for them. I realized tonight how much I love these missionaries, and how I am so thankful for them too.

Thanksgiving dinner pictures...

Elder Stevenson and Richardson

Sweet Sister Ohara on her way home

The AP's, with my camera, taking pictures of themselves.

Elder Kim

Elder Ure

Elder Davidson, Ure, and Kim heading home.

Sister Morishita going home

Elder Davidson

Elder Davidson w/the AP's

All of the shoes in the genkan (entryway)

Zone leaders...again

Zone leaders with their 'fearless leader'

The Beginning of our December Zone Conference's

Elder Harrington...I have on heels and am standing on the stairs...he still towers me.

My Christmas Decorations.

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas...

We love you all!!

October & November!

Fukuoka Temple...our home!

My sweet husband in the temple courtyard.

An afternoon walk...

We had a picnic in the dark, on the temple parking lot, to celebrate the full moon.

Elders practicing their dance for the ward talent show.

The drum festival..to celebrate fall.

Sister Nakamoto and her mom.

New Missionaries (beans)...arrived in October.

The AP's had a minor accident in our mission van.

President Margetts giving Elder Stevenson a scolding...

The Shimada's leaving for home.

Sherm found these awesome slippers in the mission office.

Elder and Sister Savage, our newest couple called to the Okinawa area.

Zone counsel meeting. My handsome boys!

Sister Okumura

Pictures from Sasebo, where we were able to go grocery shopping on their military base.

The Poulton's

Us

My new bed-spread.

Pictures from our mission tour with Elder and Sister Stevenson...

Look what I got...my very own Japanese car!!

Look how tiny it is compared to the mission van.

Saying goodbye to the Poulton's

Elder Stevenson striking a pose for GQ!

Dropping the Poulton's off at the train station.