December 24, 2012 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I feel that I have already celebrated - because we had several Zones meet for a Christmas gathering where our Mission President spoke. It was in San Jose. My companion and I received permission to take a boat to San Jose. It took about an hour - much different from my 8 hour bus ride to get to Rio Carlo. Our ward in San Jose also had a Christmas party before I left - so I feel that I have had Christmas. My Christmas package did not arrive - but really - it is OK - because no other missionary received their packages either. All good. I feel your love and know you sent something very nice! I appreciate it very much.

People here decorate a ton. They have tons of lights and trees but they put their trees outside in front of their homes. It's really pretty and nice. The other night they had a festival of lights with a parade in the streets and drums. Also, they have a big tree in the middle of the city and everyone gathered to light it. Super cool. 

It has been a bit hard - I began to feel that Christmas was just like any other day - I mean the celebrations - because I had already celebrated in San Jose and then I stopped to think - How sad to feel that Christ's birth feels like just another day - because I celebrated before. Then it hit me that we should be celebrating Christ's birth, His Atonement, death and Resurrection every day. It's such a great blessing that we need to recognize every day and because of the Savior - we have the opportunity to return to Him and live eternally with our families forever. I am so grateful for our Savior's birth! I can't wait to Christmas Day will be Skype with the family! Afterwards, we have appointments - I will be teaching piano for 30 minutes and then appointments. I bet Cameron, Kennedy, Claire and Olivia are having so much fun at Papa and Grandma's house. Don't have too much fun without me! Haha Love to everyone. Hermana Jennifer Jones

Feliz Navidad -  from Rio Carlo, Costa Rica