Email from Sister Bingham: Monday December 11th

 Whenever I think - I should write in my journal it just seems overwhelming because there is so much that we have experienced here the past 5 1/2 months. So I think I will just tell you a bit about my day - just today. So this is like a journal ramble...

The day started early, as usual. We just get up early no matter what. I think the sun rises by 6 am. But that is good because when we get outside early it is the coolest part of the day. Michael went for a nice run and I walked. So we weren't together. But it was ok. I listened to a couple of really wonderful conference talks. I have started listening intently to the past conference talks of President Nelson. Wow - He's so amazing. I also want to read his latest book _Heart of the Matter_. I just have such love, respect, and admiration for that man. I know he is God's prophet for our day. He is being preserved - really 99 years old? By the end of my almost 4 mile one hour walk I was able to facetime with my dad, Susan, Vik & Suri. It was really good to be able to talk to all of them. Suri has grown up so much. I was grateful for the time I could spend because of technology talking with family.

Today back home is David & Matthew's birthday! Yesterday we had a good visit with Matthew as I sat in the car in the church parking lot while Michael interviewed missionaries inside the Angeles Stake Center. But - today we were able to visit with David. We are just so proud of our family. They are 38 years old. I think a lot about being a new mom with two beautiful babies. I loved it then and the memories are sweet even now. I just love being about to put a baby in a stroller and go for a walk. Anyway - we loved our visit with David and the opportunity to say hello to a few grandkids as well.

Then I helped Michael look at the transfer board. There was a breakin at the Burgos Sister's apartment yesterday late afternoon. It sounds like maybe they hadn't locked their door, but to be safe we both felt like they should transfer out of the area. We are doing away with the term emergency transfer - so it is now called a mid-transfer transfer. Because of some other issues with some Elders in one area of our mission President B decided to do a 3 way switch. Sisters from Burgos to Cabaluyan, Elders to Santo Thomas and then Elders to Burgos. Of course, Cabaluyan and Santo Thomas are at the farthest ends of our mission! Thanks to Elder & Sister Ray for making the huge drive. Everyone seemed pleased with the transfer, (why do these things happen 4 days after the transfer???) so I consider it a win-win-win for everyone involved and the Rays can take a nap later because they are senior missionaries.

I helped Michael with some computer things so that he could write his responses to the missionaries after he reads their messages to him. Then I took the chance and did a workout with weights (supposedly a repair guy fixed my stationary bike - but I haven't taken the time to ride yet. I am crossing my fingers that he was able to fix it.) It does sometimes feel like getting in a quick workout is a luxury around here. After that I was able to color my hair. I have -get a haircut on my to do list and I hope to do that in the next few days. But at least I got most of my gray covered up.

We had salads for lunch and Michael had a burger after that. It is kind of a preparation day tradition for him. The beef patties we bought at S&R have been good.

I loved watching the talk by Elder Kearon - something about the focus of Christmas. It was just the message that I needed. I also listened to some of our favorite Christmas carols today. I plugged in our Christmas tree and took a moment to really think about what the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ means to me. I decided that it means pretty much everything to me. The Christmas nativity scene is tender to me. When we focus on the Savior there is joy in Christmas even if I am far from home.

While Michael kept plowing through the emails from the missionaries I worked on a few missionary ideas - like plans for our district leader training and plans for MLC later this week. I also went through photos and got a bunch sent to the family. My camera is so full! This truly is such an amazing experience. There are ALWAYS 100's of things I could be doing. I am just trying my best to not let that thought overwhelm me. I remind myself that the Lord knows me. He called us so He knows what we are capable of and what we are not.

The dishwasher repair team (there are always at least 3 repairmen whenever they show up) was supposed to be here by 3 and finally arrived by 5. Filipino time is what they call it. So we have a new, new dishwasher. It will be great to get that working. Communication was a bit challenging with the repair service. We had J.P., our security guy helping out as well. they were just going so fast speaking Tagalog - for a minute I felt like I was on a different planet. Well it is a different country but the same planet.

I was able to do some gift wrapping. I got the books wrapped that we will give to the senior couples. I also wrote a few Christmas cards - just to the 6 stake presidents that we serve with and their families. I found some Christmas cards I liked here in the closet. Hopefully they aren't the same that the previous mission leaders gave out just last year!

Dinner was left-overs plus a few vegetables that I cooked in the airfryer. I didn't make it to the grocery store because I was waiting for the dishwasher repair team to come.

I heard from a few missionaries today. That always makes me smile. Michael also shares some of the stories that he receives in the letters that the missionaries write. That is inspiring. We have so many faithfully serving wonderful missionaries. Thinking about the missionaries that have already gone home feels like mixed emotions to me. I am so proud of all of the missionaries that have completed their service, but really I miss many of them. I really had no idea that my heart could hold so much love for so many people.

Sister Orchard arrives tomorrow. I hope that she is happy serving here. I know that the Lord blesses and sustains His missionaries. I have felt His sustaining power very distinctly. The burden really has been made light. I am grateful for the binding power of covenants now more than at any time in my life.

Now, I am looking forward to some Book of Mormon reading and I will try and stay awake until Michael is finished talking to a couple of missionaries on the phone.

I love to think about all of the members of our family and what they are doing right now - most of the time when I am thinking that - they/you are sleeping. I am praying for each member of our family.

I am praying for our missionaries, their safety, their protection and that each of them will be focused on their missionary purpose.

It truly does feel like - It's the most wonderful time of the year. I will try and take some pictures of the many Christmas nativity scenes that are all over. Not too much Santa, just baby Jesus. He is presented with lots of lights. He is the Light of the World so I guess it makes sense.

Ok - enough of a ramble! I am too tired to proofread. I love you!

MOM