12/25/07 Christmas in Thailand...

And so this is christmas...and what have we done...another year older, a new one just begun -niel diamond. HEY!!! How was everyone's Christmas? I hope it was as good as mine was:) So yesterday all us missionaries were all treated to a boat tour/luncheon on the river jaw phra yaa.....down in bangkok. It was a lot of fun to see all my friends and see president Dodge....as for food wise we had some classics ...rice and stuff(stuff meaning meats) but it was tasty...and free. After our lunch we had a white elephant exchange....which was alot of fun...I personally ended up with the much coveted "swensons ice cream membership card" I was very pleased with the gift...in fact we have plans as a district to use it today...:) this card includes buy one scoop of ice cream get one free....and 15% off and what nots. So I was happy...the other elders in my district got as follows:E. witt, wind chimes; E. hunsaker, pingpong paddle set; and E. Ly, got a massive bag of candy....which will end up being dispersed and separated amoung the district....:) on top of that....i got a couple packages...from mom....which included the necessaties of the holidays: gel insoles, tooth paste/electric power brush....and junk food.....with spending cash....(which will turn into a custom tailored suit in a couple weeks:))and also a package from grandma fish....including swedish candies, socks, and study materials. So all in all the best christmas in the mission so far...As for other activities....on monday...our district and starting with about 4 members went caroling to lessactives and actives homes....after caroling to each individual home those members would jump in the back of the truck and go with us to the next home...so at the end of the night we had quite a few people...it was so much fun...I was loving every minute of those christmas songs....playing them on the guitar....we of course added licks and small solos....for show....only... needless to say we rocked christmas here in ayuttaya..no one ever saw it coming. speaking along the lines of music....there has been some speculation...with regaurds to the band sys. First of all , to answer some of moms ?s, it is all missionaries in the band...it is a "special" calling in this mission....we have the band because it helps keep us in the country...it helps us (as missionaries) keep getting visas...because we are playing free concerts and often perform for royalty and special parties and events...so it helps us have better relations with the government here. There are alot of rumors going around the mission about me right now...with regaurds to this band. It seems as though all missionaries are set at getting me into the band....everyone is always trying to convince president dodge to put me in....but of course he won't,yet, because he only calls those who he feels like he should call. It's not about the talents you have with music....but more so what president wants us to do. As for me personally I dont' really want to be in it.....I like being a normal missionary....if you are called in the band you don't really do missionary type of missionary work...meaning tracting and inviting and teaching investigators....so it would be wierd to be called into the band....but if thats what i get called to do I'll do it for sure. So anyways on another note..our area is really taking off. We got a couple people that are doing really good. they are really progressing....hopefull they will keep it up...and hopefully we can keep finding new people. I love this area alot it is so good. I've learned alot here.....probably some of the more important things I've needed to learn. It's been a sweet christmas and a good start of the moves...I can't believe there is only a couple weeks left until I get a new companion...I am going to miss my lil' cambodian friend, I love this guy alot. well enough about random things in my personal life....love you guys hope everyone is doing good and well....for those of you in missouri drive safe in the ice and snow....and those of you in cal. i guess drive safe too.. ...love you guys happy new year!elder lowrey