A Letter from Holly
(From Lady Lake, Florida on Christmas Day, December 25, 2003)
Hello Everyone,
Merry Christmas!! I hope that you've all had as wonderful a Christmas as I have. This morning my companion (Sister Nelson) and I got up extra-early so we could start our studies at 6:30 a.m. We did our personal study from 6:30 to 7:30 and our companionship study from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. I just read the mission Book of Mormon reading for my personal study. (This usually takes me almost the full hour. But it's amazing to be reading the Book of Mormon with all the other missionaries & others reading the same chapters as you on the same day!)
For our companionship study we decided to read Luke 2, Matthew 1 & part of 2, 3 Nephi 1, the Ensign article "Christmas with a Minister" (p. 60 of the December 2003 Ensign) and a special Christmas story her family sent her. Then we turned on Christmas music and "came down the stairs." It was fun. We took turns opening gifts until I ran out, then she finished opening hers. It was great because our families sent us things we could use and things we asked for. Also at this time I would like to express my gratitude for everyone who sent me cards and little gifts. You know who you are! Your thoughtfulness really brightened my Christmas season.
After we got done with the presents and playing with the wrapping paper :-) we made a delicious breakfast of bacon, o.j. and pancakes (with a side of cheese, crackers, pistachios & beefstick). Then I called the Neibaur house. That was fabulous! I don't know if my family realizes how special it was for me to hear all their voices! But thank you all. Hugs!
We went to an investigator's for a turkey & fixings lunch. We had bread pudding for dessert, which was different but good. We also shared with some of them a bit about the Gospel and sang them some songs.
I was very nervous to be spending this Christmas away from my family bit I know I am doing the Lord's work and so I am comforted in the absence of my family & our traditions.
This evening Sister Nelson and I went for a nice walk & took pictures of some Christmas lights.
The work is moving forward. This last week at zone conference we got a really neat letter & got to sign a copy being sent to President Hinckley. It says that our baptisms in 1994 were 296, and this year from January to November our baptisms are 612 (more than double) as was challenged. We also had 24 months of baptisms increased from the same month the previous year. It is so amazing to be a missionary in the Florida, Orlando mission right now.
We've got some great investigators here. Last week we were worried because one of our investigators who was/is really positive didn't show up at church. When we tried to call, her husband said she'd left for church. As it turns out she took a wrong turn and ended up at another church! But she said she knew it isn't right and she's going to come to our church this next week.
Things have been sort of slow with Christmas. Most people are "too busy" to meet with us. But we've also done lots of caroling and felt a wonderful spirit as we shared about Christ this season.
I love you all and thank you for all your love and well wishes. Keep the work strong and continue to pray.
With love,
Sister Holly Neibaur
[I also received an email from Holly on Monday morning, December 29th. It read in part: ]
Hi Dad,
... It was so great for me to get to talk to you on Christmas. The weeks here just fly by. When we plan for the week it seems like we are planning for a long time, yet when we look back on the week I always wonder where the time went. In many ways 18 months seems like a long time but I know that as I try to serve the Lord this next year is going to fly. I really am having a hard time believing that the year 2003 is almost over. I am constantly wondering where they time has gone. What did I do with an entire year of my life? I know that when I was younger the years really didn't seem to go this fast. I really didn't seem to be able to do so little with my time. I am coming to really value my time and I am getting a better understanding of how precious it really is. Some nights I am so tired I want to go to bed at ten but I am torn because that is a whole 1/2 hour I could be doing something. The time really does fly.
Anyway enough of that tangent. I just wanted to let you know that I am so grateful to be a part of our family. I am so thankful that you have made this opportunity possible for me. That you and mom were willing to make the necessary sacrifices to support me while I am out here. It really means a lot to me.
... I love you Dad and I hope that you have a great end to 2003 and a wonderful new year. Remember to savor all the time we've been given and not to let the urgent things overpower the important things. (Just get a balance of FUN in your life.)
All my love,
Sister Holly Boo