This morning we attended our Red Cross Christmas party. We sat across the table from a fellow and his wife who was WWII vet. During our visiting, we explained to them that we were there serving a mission to our military families and students. He said they attend a Baptist Church down on Dean's Bridge Rd and invited us to come. I doubt we will be able to do that, but we appreciated the offer. We had a nice time visiting with several people there; most we did not know since we all serve in the hospital at different times and places. I'm sure you will love looking at photos of old people who none of us know! Haha

This is the couple that sat across from us. Very nice folks

This evening we had a good turn out at our Instittue class. Aubry Lonsberry came out for the first time, she is our newest permanent party gal; we also had Ben Boone, for all of you who remember the Boone family from Nebraska, he is their Nephew. (he doesn't eat chocolate either). Then we had 5 others who are our regurlar attenders. We studied section 2, 127 and 128 of the Doctrine and Covenants; a beautiful Spirit was present with us as we discussed the topic matter. We love our mission!

This evening, we attended the Chaplain's Christmas party. We all gathered in the all purpose room, the same place we meet for our monthly Chaplain's meeting. So all the chaplains and their families gathered together to enjoy a nice Christmas get-together. To start the party, we sang some Christmas Carols and Hymns. After an opening prayer a short thought was given by one of the chaplains then we all helped ourselves to a pot-luck style dinner spread. The food was very good. After dinner all the different unit chaplains did a musical number, most of them were rather silly. Santa then came and gave all the children a bag of candy. One of the Chaplain assistants then read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to the children as they gathered around her. Finally, Chaplain Watson, chief chaplain, sent us all off with his own thought. Elder Gowans stayed and helped clean up as he would have done if he were at his own church Christmas party. Twas a nice evening.

This morning, we performed our normal Wednesday service at the Post library. The army band located here at Fort Gordon put on a little Christmas program for the children and Santa came to visit. While there we had the opportunity to see the Janssens for a few minutes. They are leaving for Alaska for a couple of weeks to celebrate Christmas with family. We wish them a wonderful and safe Christmas.

This afternoon, we attended the graduation ceremonies for Brothers Braithwait and Turner. Brother Braithwait was a wonderful example of determination; he showed us all that it was indeed possible for someone in his Battalion to come out to church activities. As tough as the Cadre made it; he always found a way to come out.

 Brother Turner

Brother Braithwait

Later in the afternoon, we went to visit Lila Gardner who had surgery yesterday. She is just a little girl around 5 years old. We had a nice visit with her and her family. We told her stories and hopefully was able to help cheer her up a little. 

We have had a wonderful day! Beginning this morning, we held our weekly DDM and received good instruction from our district leaders. Then this afternoon, we were able to visit the doctor today and get a referral request in to see the knee doctor for Sister Gowans left knee. The torn meniscus will have to be repaired; hopefully we will be able to get it done during this slow time of the year while our students are all gone for Christmas.

This evening, we had an appointment with the Holloway family for dinner and a wonderful visit. They are such a wonderful family, we love them and will miss them greatly as they are preparing to transfer to Hawaii! After a wonderful dinner of meatloaf, mashed potatoes vegetables and a delicious berry crisp and homemade ice cream, brother Holloway read a couple of Christmas stories, then Elder Gowans shared a Christmas story teaching us the principle of being a grateful and gracious receiver. He then related it to the mission of Christ and how we need to be a grateful receiver when it comes to the atonement of Christ and using it in our lives. The Christmas spirit came powerfully into the home and it felt as though it was suddenly Christmas Eve. It has been a wonderful day!

This afternoon after our Red Cross service, we took our district missionaries bowling. Every Monday is $1.00 bowling, shoes, hot dogs and fries, until now. Yup, they did away with the good deal.So instead of paying $36.00 for 24 hot dogs and 12 fries, we paid over $55! Ouch! Yes, it hurts. I suppose from now on, it will just have to be 1 hot dog per person. Anyway, we all had a good time. Due to her knee, sister Gowans did not bowl; Elder Gowans had on of his best days of bowling. Bowled 284 in two games. Missed a turkey by one pin and only two open frames in the last game. Not too bad.

This evening, we attended our weekly FHE. All the soldiers are pretty busy now finishing up training before the Holiday Block Leave so we didn't see any out. Sister Lonsberry came out; she is a super young lady! We love having her as a part of our branch. We all shared a Christmas memory and then played a fun game of Headband.

From left to right: Sister Price, the Meachams, Sister Gowans, Elder Webb, Elder Bennett, Elder Eklof; In back: Sister Tevi, Elder Spencer, Elder Hatch, Elder Judson.

This afternoon, we had a wonderful turnout to our Branch meetings and to our Christmas Feast. We really have an exceptional group of young men and women who are currently assigned to Fort Gordon. We also welcomed a new couple to the Branch today. He is part of the warrior transition unit. This means he is transitioning out of the army via medical retirement. We don't know what all is involved, but it could take over a year for this process to go through. It is very mystifying! He has been in for nearly 20 years, and now they are medically retiring him? Why not just put through a normal retirement?

This evening, we learned that Sister Gowans has another torn meniscus. We will learn on Tuesday what the course of action will be. Hopefully, it won't be any more difficult than the first knee two years ago.

This morning we had a very enjoyable trip to the temple. As you may know, we usually travel out on the second Saturday of the month, however, we decided to move it to the first this month since this coming weekend the AIT students will be in their Holiday Block Leave briefings either Saturday or Sunday. As it turned out we only had two that made it out this month anyway. Still, it is worth the trip for even one if that is all who can make it. Brother Braithwait and Brother Moore were the only two who could travel out with us. Elder Gowans and Brother Moore went into the baptistery and were able to accomplish quite a bit of work there as we joined in with a youth group from North Carolina.

This evening, we attended the Augusta Stake's Christmas Musical held at the Stake Center. Each ward or branch contributed musical numbers to the evening. They were all very well done. It was a very enjoyable evening.