Christmas in Germany

Hello everyone,

I must say, all the missionaries here said Christmas was the hardest time of year, but we've actually had a really good time. I'm coming to realize that you can look at missionary work during Christmas time one of two ways: either that there's a lot of stuff you can't do at this time of year, or that there's a lot of stuff you can ONLY do at this time of year! We've done a lot of carolling, Christmas street preaches, and other random little Christmas ideas, and I think diversity has kept us sane. It is pretty cold and dark, though. We don't see the sun a lot. But other than that, it's been alright.

In Germany there are three days of Christmas. Heiligabend (Christmas Eve) is the big one, but then they have First and Second Christmas days (the 25th and 26th), which most people use to travel and visit family. Everyone has work off on these days, and pretty much everything is shut down; all the stores and restaurants and such. We are very well taken care of for the three Christmas days. There is a lady in our ward who was called to organize our eating appointments, and she really took her calling to heart! I don't think we even need to buy groceries this week. And, on top of that, the ward bought us a real Christmas tree! And the relief society came together to give us some of their old decorations and lights. We have the most decked-out missionary apartment in history.

I'm going to attach some photos from the Christmas market. But just know, the pictures don't do it justice. Half of the magic is the music and the way it smells. It's like pure happiness.

Saturday I got my 'trunky papers' in the mail (asking about my flight plans going home and such). I can't believe how fast time has flown. Oh well, I still have four months left, and I'm going to make them awesome!

Love you all, thank you for all the support!
Sister Jensen