Our Christmas
Terrassa
Serving a mission during Christmas has truly deepened our focus on our Savior, Jesus Christ. We feel so blessed to serve Him here in the Barcelona Spain Mission; witnessing His hand in this work every day is a constant tender mercy. We have watched how the Lord prepares so many people to receive the Gospel. Newcomers to Spain have shared their stories with us, explaining that while they don't know how long they will be in this country, they know they want the Gospel to be part of their lives. They come with open hearts, simply asking, 'How do we join?'. Other friends simply know it is right through the feelings of the Holy Ghost and take a step onto the covenant path in such great faith, not fully understanding, but knowing that that is what God wants them to do. The Young Adults are feeling the spirit in their lives and have desires to be on the covenant path; to go on missions, to recieve their endowment.
Our Christmas season was further brightened by the missionaries and Young Adults (JAS) in the cities of Terrassa and Manresa. Though our celebrations felt different this year, they were absolutely wonderful. We laughed and celebrated together through simple gatherings—building gingerbread houses, sharing meals, and walking through the city to admire the lights. Seeing the joy these Young Adults found in just being together was a gift in itself.
The city of Terrassa and Barcelona was decorated beyond anything we have ever seen. Every street featured a unique theme of lights stretching as far as the eye could see, and the town squares were filled with tall trees and nativity scenes. While my photos don’t quite capture the true scale of the beauty, it is clear that Christmas is deeply cherished here in Catalonia. Being immersed in such a festive, faithful environment was a beautiful tender mercy that we will never forget.
Barcelona
We also had the opportunity to go into downtown Barcelona to celebrate. The Young Adults from both Terrassa and Barcelona gathered at Plaça de Catalunya to sing together. There is a piano there that is bolted to the ground year-round, and the plan was to gather around it to share some Christmas spirit through music.
However, since a concert was being set up right next to us in the square, we moved the group a couple of blocks away near a subway station exit. There, we sang—perhaps unprofessionally, but beautifully—about the Savior coming into the world. President Heckman joined us as well; he is such a blessing and a constant support to everyone in the mission. We are truly so blessed.
Our missionaries are truly amazing. Their support and love for both members and friends of the Church is such a blessing to witness. I truly believe we have the best missionaries ever; their energy and devotion are contagious. It is such a wonderful mission to be a part of, and being with them in the city was the perfect part of our Christmas celebrations.
Granollers
Christmas with Pilar Rodriguez was such a blessing. She was my beloved companion during my first mission, and I feel so fortunate to have her back in my life. She kindly invited Dave and me to her home for Christmas dinner; it was a wonderful, thoughtful afternoon.
Reconnecting with her has been a joy. We spent time going through her mission photo albums, which brought back so many memories! It made me realize that I really need to get my old slides digitized and go through my journals again once I get home.
