Letter dated 22Dec2014

Favorite Family and Friends!!! It's so good to be able to write you today, "the day before the day before the dipping day (Christmas Eve)!" That is the translation of the subject line, by the way. Christmas Eve is called "dipping day" because in days past, Swedes would make a stew, dip bread into it, and eat it on the 24th. I haven't e-mailed very much recently, because the computers at the church's institute center have been disconnected from the internet, and the libaries' computers allow one on for only 30 minutes. And we can't send pictuers either, so all the nice Christmas pictures we've taken will have to wait. It's a wonderful time to be a missionary, though! We have been wearing Santa hats recently and people are much more open and curious to talk to us now! Last Christmas, it seemed rather difficult to meet with people amongst their travels and traditions, but the hats have nicely combated that this year. Several Christmas miracles have happened! Here's the main one: the neighboring ward's elders contacted a great guy, Arona, whom we have begun teaching. He wants greatly to change his heart and to become a better person. And there isn't a better message than ours for this! He is excited for baptism as well, and we are so pleased that we will be able to help someone be baptized. The way in which he was contacted is remarkable as well. The other elders had met him once, forwarded us his number, and we called it to no avail, and forgot about it. Then they met him again, two weeks later (this was two weeks ago), found out no one had called him, and reminded us about him! It's such a wonderful evidence that God is leading us and helping us when we aren't so attentive. We also began contacting at the university. They are exceptionally open, and we have found three positive, new investigators through this this week! This week is going to be so good! We have it planned full of fun and great activities. We will carol with about 20 other missionaries tomorrw, spend Christmas eve, Christmas, and the following day with members, and will go to Julbord (traditional Swedish Christmas buffet) at IKEA! I cannot wait to talk to you (family) on Christmas -- 9:15! And I hope that Nicholas, Christopher, and dad had a wonderful birthday yesterday. Joseph's new haircut is incredible. Love you all! Merry Christmas, Love, -- Äldste Daniel Schindler