December 18th a Full Day

Today we had a very special church. Our goal has been to get 150 people to church, which is the criteria for being made a ward. Today there were 200 there! We were ask to help get people there today, who haven't been coming. Also it was Sister Johnston's (the former branch president's wife) farewell party, because she will be attending the Timeru Branch, starting in January. The Stake President also came, with his family, and he and Sister Johnston both spoke. We were really packed in, and Kenny did a wonderful job of "ushering" and making sure everyone had seats. They finally had little kids sit on the floor up front, so people could have their seats! There was a most wonderful Spirit and the talks were inspired. When we went Christmas caroling last Sunday, President Pongia heard us, and he ask us to come and sing for 10 min before church started, so we did, and it was really neat. Then the Branch Presidency and their families sang a special number, "Because I have been given much", and the closing song was "God be with You." There was a potluck lunch after church, and so many people, that the "heaps" of food disappeared very quickly. They just move all the chairs back, and set up tables for the food, and it works! Mata and some of her friends went over Saturday and fixed three big beautiful flower arrangements. One sweet lady, who hasn't been to church in 5 years, came, (that is different lady than the one a couple of weeks ago who hadn't come for 5 years) and lots of others who have been inactive for shorter times. A lot of non-members came also. It was hard to keep track! It was truely an amazing and loving and lovely day!
Sunday evening, I was invited to a Christmas Tea for Sister Ede's visiting teaching companion and the ladies they go visit. It was amazing all the work she had gone to, preparing "heaps" of food, and a beautiful table with a little lit Christmas tree on it. She had made a little candy wreath for each one, and talked about how much each sister meant to her. Such a dear Sister! A "full" day in both body and Spirit! (I've got to quit eating so much!)