Christmas Day

Dear loved ones,

Yesterday was Christmas Day on the island of Bonaire! There too?

We awoke anticipating a fun day on the beach at Klein Bonaire. Elder VV was excited because he has always wanted to go there. It is a small uninhabited island 1/2 mile off the coast of the main island of Bonaire that is famous for wonderful beaches and diving spots. It has no facilities - no bathrooms,no water, no shade, just beach and sea. You bring it in - you take it out.

We were gong to go with the Albus' and Ellie and her girls. It was cloudy when we woke, but it often rains just for a few minutes then clears up. But it was forecast to be rainy all day. We decided against the beach and went upstairs for a Brunch of Pannenkoeken and fruit.

It started to rain! torrents and sheets of rain! then it stopped, drizzled, started pouring again, then stopped... all day. 

After lunch the Elders were to come here and Skype their families. As we waited for them Elder VV and I played UNO and I was surprised at the UNO champ I am!  I wiped him out! I won 7 of the 10 games!!

Our internet/Skype didn't work very well for the Elders so we went to the Albus' where the Sisters had already successfully made their Christmas calls to home.

We were planning to go to the new Star Wars movie at the outdoor Cinema for Christmas night. It kept raining. 

We took the Elders to dinner at the Albus' and a better skyping experience. We enjoyed visiting with President Albus' mother Astrid who lives with her son and his family. She is a lovely woman. As we were fixing dinner the power went off! We were in the dark!.... and it started to rain!

Luckily there was a full moon. The first full moon on a Christmas since 1977 and there won't be another on Christmas till 2034. So, by the light of the silvery moon we waited for the power to return.

We had a nice dinner that is a tradition for some people in Holland. It is kind of like a Fondu/Hibachi on an electric grill, cook your own dinner - meat and fresh veggies and dip it in sauce, experience.

We had a nice time and even though it was none of the things we had expected or planned to do on Christmas it was a very pleasant day. In the MTC they told us we should be flexible.

We enjoyed being able to Skype the children on Christmas Eve and it was so fun to see and hear the pandemonium we have come to miss and look forward to being a part of again.

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your families and loved ones. 

The new year awaits! full of wonderful surprises, challenges, adventure, and service.

We are ready!

Love, Elder and Sister VV