The Christmas Season is upon us in New Mexico too! Practically all the communities have special events commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The Native American pueblos, which abound around Albuquerque and Northern New Mexico, have their "feast days", many coincide with Christmas celebrations.
We recently traveled to Santa Fe, the state capitol, where we enjoyed an awesome New Mexico cuisine dinner that included green chili. It was dark when we left the restaurant. As we walked out the door, we were dazzled by the beautiful site! The central plaza was all lit up for Christmas.
Santa Fe central plaza lit up for Christmas.
Another fun Santa Fe treat was the blue corn and lavender doughnut we had from Whoo's Donuts. Very tasty. We also got to see the famous spiral staircase, built around 1880, at the Loretto Chapel near the plaza. This staircase defies all engineering principles in that it has no center support. Fascinating!
Loretto Chapel, spiral staircase with no central support.
Afterward we enjoyed a chat with several members of the Santa Fe Stake. Arriving at the stake center after dark we marched into the middle of the youth activity. We somehow dodged flying frisbees and escaped unscathed.
The last two Sundays we attended the Montaño Ward and the Tomé Branch, both Spanish speaking units. John got to dust off his Spanish from 50 years ago. Shelley concentrated but struggled to understand much of what was spoken in the testimony meeting. The members were so friendly and inviting. What great brothers and sisters.
Later in the week we visited the Montaño Ward again. A youth group was playing an interesting game in the cultural hall. They set up a PVC frame and socked a ball around, kind of like 3D foursquare. Pretty cool.
3-D Foursquare
Did you know New Mexico is known for its sunrises and sunsets? Last week we had a meeting out in Estancia, about 40 miles east of Albuquerque. Sunset was dazzling to say the least! We've never seen a sunset toward the south that went from east to west...until then! The photo doesn't even come close to the beauty we beheld, God's artistry!
Near Estancia, New Mexico, December 7, 2021, looking south.
At the Estancia chapel the members have set up a Hispanic Cultural Center that offers English classes and other assistance to anybody needing some help with anything. It's a remarkable undertaking.
Out running one morning, more balloons!
Five balloons. Can you spot 'em?
Tomorrow, December 13, eleven new young missionaries arrive in Albuquerque. As part of the welcome, the mission prepares a welcome dinner. Shelley is fixing pulled pork for sandwiches and baking "biscochito" cookies. Biscochitos are the New Mexico state cookie. How many states have a state cookie? It's like a shortbread cookie with crushed anise, zested orange peel, and coated with cinnamon sugar. Mmmmmmmmm. It's of Spanish origin and dates back hundreds of years. I think New Mexico is about the only place you can get it. You can buy them in grocery stores too.
Biscochitos, the New Mexico State Cookie, homemade by Shelley.
We've been attending the Temple every week. What a blessing to be on a mission in a city with a temple!
The Albuquerque New Mexico Temple.
Tonight, December 12, the Albuquerque North Stake put on a Christmas music fireside. Musical numbers were performed by the stake choir, the congregation and young missionaries from the New Mexico Albuquerque Mission. A testimony was given by our mission president and a Christmas message by the stake president. The whole evening was inspiring and testimony building. Quite a few young missionaries performed, seemed almost professional. One number was on the chapel pipe organ, a medley of rousing Christmas carols. Reminded John of Richard Elliott of Tabernacle Choir fame.
The whole evening tonight bolstered our testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Lord and Savior. If we trust in Him, He will guide and direct our paths for good. This Christmas Season we invite all to join us to "Light the World with Love" as we celebrate the birth of The Savior. We invite you to go to www.churchofjesuschrist.org and see the possibilities. View the video "The Christ Child", so inspiring!
Merry Christmas everybody!