Christmas 2013

Eric is approximately 17 hours ahead, so he was spending Christmas Eve at the Mission Home:

Fortunately for us, we were able to Skype with him on our Christmas Eve. Our whole family and dear family friends Jake Dargie and Aaron Allen were gathered in our living room to talk face to face with him through Skype. Jake linked the laptop to our big screen TV so we had an up close and personal talk with my favorite Missionary. It was wonderful to see him so relaxed and happy. I don't think Eric has ever been happier in his whole life. It is such a joy as a parent to witness. After our hour was up (much too fast) I cried for 30-45 minutes. I miss him so much, and seeing him and speaking to him made it worse. As much as I love getting to Skype I understand why we only get to do it on Christmas and Mother's Day....it just hit me with such force that he was gone. Still, I wouldn't miss one moment of getting to Skype with him and the family.

Eric spent the day with his companion, Elder Gubler, doing visits. The Missionaries on Guam gathered at the Mission Home for Christmas dinner.

As part of the Christmas celebration, a native missionary led the other young men in a ceremonial fight display:

And one lady they visited did a quick song for them: