30 November - 13 December

It is so hard to realize that Christmas is less than two weeks away, mostly because of the temperatures outside.  Decorations and lights are showing up on homes and outside of malls and shops, so we know that Christmas really is coming!   Our son Nathan has found someone to mail Christmas cards to us, one was to have arrived each day for the 12 days of Christmas, each containing a Christmas memory from him.  As of today, nine have come and we don't know who is being so kind, but are loving receiving them! There has been a fair amount of rain and summer temperatures are everywhere in Queensland.  The school children have finished their school year and are out on holiday until February. 

Five of our vehicles had reached the end of life in our mission, so we went out to Karawatha Chapel to send them off.  A fifth car was taken out of service up in Cairns.  These vehicles were replaced with five brand new Toyota Corollas.  Two weeks ago, when we arrived at the same chapel to accept the new cars, a kangaroo greeted us at the gate, so we anticipated a similar sight as we returned, even had the camera all poised ready to shoot, but it didn't happen.

Sandy's brother David, served in the Sydney Mission before Brisbane was established as a separate mission.  He asked if we could go and find a house that he had lived in while serving in and around Brisbane. This home was located one afternoon as we went out to pick up office supplies and found the address was close to our Office Works store.  

On December 7th, it was the Mickelsen's turn to host the Senior Family Home Evening.  Everyone shared special Christmas memories or traditions, some of these brought laughs but most provided a chance for each of us to remember and ponder past Christmases.  Sandy served our apple pudding with caramel sauce that we have eaten on Christmas Eve for lots and lots of years as part of our Danish dinner.

The Brisbane and Cleveland Stakes presented "Joy to The World" on the 12th and 13th.  It was held on the temple grounds as a missionary tool.  The nativity scene was a family singing and they even had a real baby among their children to portray Jesus!  One scene had the wisemen singing and another scene had the shepherds also singing Christmas carols.  Each night there were three musical performances held in the chapel.  Musical talents were shared freely, Saturday evening had individuals performing separate pieces, Sunday night we were treated to a choir, many of whom were not members.  

Another six week cycle in the mission has come to a close and next week begins a new cycle with the arrival and departure of missionaries.  Much preparation goes into getting ready for these events, one which is Deliberation Week.  This week finds all of the assistants, President and Sister Henderson in the office all week making decisions on transfers.  The senior office staff each take a turn preparing a lunch meal for everyone to share and have a break from the intense decision making process.  Sandy made sloppy joes, a new meal for a couple of the missionaries and a happy return for others who have had them before.  She also made Lipton French Onion Soup dip (brought over by our son, Jonathan) to have with potato chips - another new experience for some.  Several Americans made the comment that they felt like it was a 4th of July meal, along with the addition of our Crystal Light Lemonade that we brought with us!