Well, it’s Christmas Eve and they say it’ll start snowing soon, so we’ll awake to a WHITE CHRISTMAS!  That’ll be nice!  As I reflect upon the celebration of tomorrow, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, I can’t help but think of Jamie who is serving Him thousands of miles away.  Tomorrow we will talk to Jamie and have a wonderful visit, and unfortunately, the time will go by fast!  We are anxious to talk to Jamie, because as many of you know, Jamie has not been well over the past months.  After a lot of contact from our doctor here in Salt Lake, the Churches doctor in Germany and her doctor in Albania, as well as with the help of Sister Kinghorn, Jamie’s Mission President’s wife, and after many tests, it has been determined that Jamie has an infected Gall Bladder.  At the present time she is on a fat-free diet and she’s feeling much better!!  Even though she has been ill, it has not stopped her from working, going out everyday and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all who will listen.  If she continues to do well, then she will be able to finish her mission in October 2004, and then return home and get things taken care of here, possibly surgery!  Even during these times when she hasn’t felt well, she has continued to have her usual enthusiasm.  The other day I received an email from Sister Kinghorn that I wanted to share with you because it so typically describes Jamie and that enthusiasm she always shows, as well as the love she has for the Lord and the people of Albania!!  THANK YOU for your PRAYERS!!

Dear Sister Pacini, 

This message will find you very busy and looking forward to spending a special holiday with your family which is just what you should be doing. I just wanted to report that Motra Pacini really does seem to be doing  better.  She sang "O Holy Night" at our Christmas concert the other night and my is she good!  It was just beautiful.

 She also had two teeth filled, one which seemed to be infected and we wonder if that won't help to make her feel better also. 

 We had an interesting experience after the concert.  It was announced that a member needed 0- blood for a transfusion and could anyone help them.  I have 0- and Motra Pacini thought she did too, so she went to the hospital with four of us to give blood.  I knew her fear of needles and thought what true sacrifice this was on her part.  She proved to be 0+ (which was an answer to my silent prayer), but I think her offer was most valient.  They did take blood from one of the elders so we were there for a LONG time, but I surely enjoyed visiting with Motra Pacini.  She is lovely.

Yesterday, we were in Durres for the sister's baptism of Erijola (the one who has lived in Germany--the president baptised her in German)  It was such a special experience for all of us.  I had brought dinner, so we went to the  sister's apt. and got to help them finish their COOKIE project.  They fixed 80 bags of cookies for families in the branch.  I was so touched by all the effort they had put into that project.  We left them as they were preparing to deliver and sing.   Missionaries truly are wonderful!  We feel so blessed to get to work with them.

Merry Christmas--Have a wonderful Holiday,

Love,

Sister Kinghorn