Service Center Christmas Devotional & Party

When we were released as the Self-Reliance Service Communication Couple earlier this week we figured that things would slow down some, we were wrong. On the day that we were released Chad, the Asia Area Self-Reliance Manager, asked us to still attend the Asia Area Self-Reliance Committee Meeting today. He also asked Sister Oveson to offer the opening prayer and Elder Oveson to prepare a spiritual thought. This is a meeting Chaired by Elder David Evans of the Seventy, so we needed to put in some extra preparation time. That same day Neth (pronounced Night) asked us to give a Christmas "speak" at the Christmas Devotional and Party today.

Sister Oveson started working on the Service Center speak, including a PowerPoint presentation, while Elder Oveson worked on his thought. On Wednesday we found out that they wanted us to give separate talks of five to ten minutes each. We decided to do a combined presentation of about ten minutes instead. We have always enjoyed team teaching versus separate talks. We felt that it went well and hope that it touched some hearts.

Neth figured that we also needed a new picture of the Service Center staff so we all gathered out in the courtyard of the building. That was a perfect opportunity to get our picture for our blog today of the many friends that we work with each day.

After the devotional and a team game it was time for the food. They were told not to go out for the Christmas party this year but to do something smaller at the Service Center. They fired up the bar-b-ques and grilled shrimp, chicken, beef skewers, hotdogs and brats. They also had rice, bread, fruit, salad, etc. Elder Thurston made a full bowl of caramel popcorn bowls to share. It was a fun time to be together.

We feel so blessed to be able to work with and associate with this group of Church employees that are a blessing to the members here in Cambodia.