Elder Robbie Bigelow's Mission: Week 17 - Almost Christmas and a Visit to Arlington

Hey Mom,
 
I am excited to get to talk to you this week.  I think we are planning
at talking noon here. So like 9 there. I hope you are done opening
presents by then. I am also going to Arlington later on today. I am pretty
excited about that. It will be pretty sweet. Elder Timothy isn't
really excited to go. But I am. It will be sweet.
 
We have tons of people inviting us over for Christmas and Christmas
Eve.  I am pretty excited about that. There is that family that I sent
you that picture of where I am kinda awkwardly holding up that kid.
But I am excited for that. And then we will go to Christmas Eve at
another members house, the Mendenhalls. They are way fun. I think we
are doing a white elephant with them.  And maybe a nativity scene.
And then I can tell you our plans for Christmas when I talk with you.
But don't worry. We are getting taken care of. I don't think there
will be a Santa and meat balls. Probably not even sherbet punch. But
we will see.
 
This week has been good.  I am getting pretty excited for Christmas.
But its hard to be out here right now. Everyone tells us to come back
after the New Year.  So that kinda stinks. And that kid isn't going to
be baptized this week. Probably in like a month. We just need to get
permission and stuff. And that might take a little while. The ward
gave us some bags with a whole bunch of presents in them. They are
nice. It is sweet to have those. We have this little table with our
tree on it. And it is filling up with presents and packages.   It is
sweet. It's like a mini Christmas with just us 4. And I think after we
open presents we will go to Ihop with a member. It is weird not to
have the same traditions. And not to be around family. But it is
pretty sweet to be around others. And it helps to really think about
others.
 
Simplifying is good. We talk about it all the time.  And it is good.
This Christmas I haven't really worried about buying anything for
anyone.  I got a bunch of treats for you guys. And I bought and ugly
sweater for elder Timothy. But other then that it hasn't really been
focused and who is getting what. And it is just relaxed.  Like hey
I will get a package. But no need to be freaking out about it.  And I
think this might be the first year in my life that I can actually
sleep on Christmas Eve. If there is one thing I have learned out here
is to try to relax about some things. I was pretty relaxed before. But
now I am like I can do my part and if people don't accept that's not
my fault. That is on them for not listening.  And like if people don't
answer the door. Then man that stinks. But it's not the end of the
world. We can stop by later and see if they are home then. As long as
I am good in my eyes and the Lord's eyes than I am ok. I can do my best
and just work.
 
Love you all!
Love, Elder Bigelow