Letter dated 26Dec2022

Dear Y'all, You might be able to tell but Christmas time is really crazy so because of that this week was also crazy! Not necessarily because of Christmas but because God is good and likes throwing some crazy experiences our way. Just take the following into consideration. There was not a single day this week where we had a normal missionary schedule. Yee haw Tuesday We had a mission gathering for the Christmas season where we wrote letters, played games, and had a wonderful devotional from the mission presidency. I got todirect the music for the devotional which was quite a lot of fun especially since I got to see my past companions in the congregation! It was wonderful to spend a lot of time with my friends and brothers and sisters that day. Wednesday/My Birthday I turned 21! Fortunately I had no desire to sink into alcoholism so that was fortunate and a tender blessing. For dinner the Gold family threw an amazing party for me with the Bishopric, fire works, and cake. The three you need to have a good time. Honestly it was magical and I was very grateful for the fact they are such kind and wonderful people. Oddly my birthday was not the main event on the 21st. My previous companion Elder Batista had appendicitis and had to recieve a speedy surgery all within a day of finding out because it was about to burst. We had to rush to the hospital shortly after dinner with the Golds because President Harris called us to let us know what was going on so we could take care of Elder Witte, Elder Batista's current companion. After going through a few waiting rooms we got to see Elder Batista loopy and in a hospital gown and he said very jovialy, "Happy birthday Elder Schindler!". It was heart warming and humbling for him to care about me even when he was going through such a scary experience. He is a wonderful young man. He ended up having a successful surgery and we took Elder Witte home after giving him a blessing with President Harris. We didn't end up going home until about 11 pm. (Bed time is 10:30 just for reference) Thursday Thursday was COLD!!!! We had to wake up early to reunite Elder Batista and Elder Witte after his surgery and it was bitterly frigid. That or I just got used to the balmy weather of Georgia (it was about 5°F so it wasn't as bad as Idaho). Because of the weather though we had to keep our faucets on and we actually helped a few people with the heat in their house since no one has insulation in their houses. We were also told to stock up for the weekend in case businesses had to close down which made me feel like I was in covid again. We also went to the hospital again to help the elders and came back at 11 again so there went our sleep schedule. Oh yeah Elder Lind also ruined his knee and had it looked at in the morning. He may need to go home for surgery so keep praying for him. Friday We got to have a good planning session and ran back and forth to the hospital delivering pills and Elder Batista was discharged. We also had a good lesson with Trey! Saturday/Christmas Eve We had a wonderful time on Christmas eve brightening the other Elders boredom with playing monopoly deal with them and making them laugh. We also had some wonderful Greek food from the Weishars which was cool. In the evening my companions and I prepared some awesome talks because we all spoke in church for Christmas! Sunday/Christmas! Like I said my companionship gave Christmas talks! Elder Lind shared about the angel Gabriel, Elder Elmer spoke on the shepards who visited Jesus, and gave my talk on the wise men and the gifts they gave Christ. The ward loved them and it was very fun to be able to do. We then opened presents and wrote letters to the ward members who have given us gifts. Several people actually came to church on Christmas who hadn't been there in a while which was exciting! Then we spent Christmas dinner with the Nelsons which was lovely. They gave us presents and their boys loved having us over. While there we watched Mr Kreuger's Christmas. I am not sure if we were supposed to watch it but it is made by the church so it's a fifty fifty shot at this point. All in all Christmas was magical! Especially since we went back to the Elder's apartment to play monopoly deal again! I everyone has a wonderful time this Yule Tide season! God bless and merry Boxing Day!!!! Sincerely, Elder Nicholas Nephi William Schindler