Christmas lights of Sremska Mitrovica

The Christmas Season has finally arrived in our little town of Sremska Mitrovica.  I guess it is close enough to January 7th for people to start getting in the Christmas spirit.  We are surprised at how many decorations have been put up and we have enjoyed the beauty.

Looking back down through Center

Light hanging over main street

Lights in the park...our own mini Temple Square.

                                            Other Beautiful lights of Sremska Mitrovica

We had transfers this week and we are loosing our sweet Sister Christensen.  We will miss her, but she is just moving to Novi Sad which is still in our district.  She has been a ball of energy and she has a beautiful singing voice.

Sister Christensen (dark hair)  and Sister Palmer

We are getting a Sister from Germany which is interesting because Sister Christensen will also have have a Sister companion from Germany.  We only have four sisters in all of Serbia and two of them will be from Germany. Change is good, right? We love these girls and are so proud of the good work they have accomplished as companions.

We are planning for our branch Christmas party which is Dec. 27th---after our Christmas and before theirs.  Many Orthodox people have a month fast before their Christmas where they don't eat meat products...but we have found out that none of our branch observe this belief so it won't affect our Christmas party food.  It sounds as if we will have a musical talent show followed by the Birth of Christ video from the church.  One of our missionaries recently put Serbian sub-titles on the video for us.  We, Alan, I, and our two sisters have decided to go Christmas caroling to each member on Christmas Eve and give a plate of treats.  It sounds like a lot but will only be about 10 places.  We are also having a Seminary Christmas Dinner at our apartment for the seminary students.  When we started seminary we had 3 girls...we now have 6-7 who attend the class.  So just as at home, this is a very busy time.  And as I said in past blogs, right after Christmas we will travel with the youth to Slovenia for a youth conference and News Years dance.  

As we have told you in the past, "Only In Serbia" there are many stray dogs that must fend for themselves kind'a like 'Lady and the Tramp'...well we found one of those dogs hiding in our back closet and decided to draft it into duty. Rover is now our offical 'under door air keeper out' guard dog. Great dog, doesn't eat much and never barks.  We're becoming very attached.

Rover to the rescue!

With Christmas quickly approaching, we wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year..(Srecan Bozic i Novu Godinu).  I have always loved Pres. Monson's statement when he said, "At this Christmas Season, it is time to  love the Lord our God with all our heart--and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much, he who gives time gives more, but he who gives of himself gives all."  And may God's spirit guide you in the year ahead.