We have been called to serve a CES (Church Education System) mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the England Birmingham Mission. Our assignment is to work with the Young Single Adults - ages 18 to 30 years - teaching religion classes, supporting their activities, assisting in the day to day running of the institute, and anything else as directed by our Mission President. Our 18 month mission begins on December 27, 2010.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Christmas day was one of the best! It began with the annual Onstott Christmas Eve festivities last night. Forty-five family members enjoyed a great lasagna dinner, singing carols, nativity play, and of course a visit from Santa (played wonderfully by Natalie). Devon, Emily, Marianne, and I spent the night at Monson's and enjoyed watching the kids have Christmas morning. The rest of the day we made visits to our other Utah families. Emily had to work noon to 10 pm, so Devon, Marianne, and I joined her for a free ham dinner at her hospital. We also had a nice phone call from Stephen in California. This is my kind of Christmas!

Two more nights in our home before we check into the MTC. For the most part we are ready. President Anderson is coming over tomorrow night to set us apart at 5:00 pm. Most of our kids will be here to share that experience with us. We went out to dinner with the Karren's and were given a ton of information to help us in England. I must admit it was overwhelming. A day or two later this scripture came to mind: Mosiah 4:27 - "for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength....be diligent." That brought me comfort because I know I can be diligent. A week ago we went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert with our dear friends, Dick and Myrna Graff. They recently returned from a mission to Guatemala. Their encouragement and excitement for missionary service was very reassuring.