Our Bulgarian Branch Christmas Party

Our Christmas program was not unlike those of wards we have attended in the past. Talent presentations and stories of the birth of Christ. We even had Santa Claus come visit the children. The costume was not as elaborate, but the children were just as excited. Who can help but love these activities. Our celebrations included dinner at the District Presidents home for all the missionaries. the President and his wife are very musical and they entertained us with accordian music and song. And then the President did a comedy routine beating an egg while singing. If anyone can help me load this onto the blog, I have it as a video.

PS: Yes we did eat roasted Bulgarian chicken for our Zone Conference, see story below.

Why Did the Bulgarian Chicken Cross the Road

Christmas Eve at the AndersensElders Kasabov, Andersens, Jacobson, Hammond, Kingsley, Jones, Wahlquist, Sisters Shuvalava, Wakefield, Dahle, and Peterson.

Elders Jorgensen, Mace and Andersen at Christmas Zone Conference.

Zone Conference Talk - Fear Not (All missionaries were required to prepare a 3 minute talk)

For centuries, the question has been asked, “Why did the Bulgarian Chicken cross the road?” I have searched for many months for an answer to this perplexing question. I have suffered fatigue, insomnia, self doubt and criticisms from every side in my search. I stand before you today to report my findings. The chicken, filled with fear and trepidation, crossed the road to meet with the missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I must tell you of the events leading up to this historic rendezvous. From the chicken’s own journal I learned that he was attracted to the missionaries because of their clean cut appearance and smiles. Other chickens in the yard had also noticed the missionaries, but they had heard from the head rooster that the missionaries were BIG TROUBLE and to avoid contact.

As I mentioned before, it was with great fear that the chicken crossed the road. On the morning of this historic crossing, just as the sun began winking, the chicken flew to his roost and with a loud ‘cock-a-doo’ announced, “Today I will cross the road and find for myself what these missionaries are all about.” His announcement caused no small stir among the chickens. All egg production seized. Clucking turned to ‘klackel’. His friends warned, “Don’t do it little brother, if you do, you’re sure to die.” Others just pointed their wing tips at him and threatened, “If you talk to those missionaries we’ll never speak to you again.” Many of the older hens pleaded, “You know how the Bulgarians drive; you’ll never make it across the road.” Then the head rooster cocked his head, twice, and the brood became deathly quiet. He crowed, “If you talk to those missionaries, you will go straight to that lake of burning fire where the sly fox waits with smacking lips.” The gasps of the hens caused several to faint.

The little chicken began to doubt his own abilities; even the hackles on his neck began to tremble. Then, he remembered the words of his dying mother, “Fear not little flock”, she had clucked, “I taught you not the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” With his heart pounding, and the words of his mother echoing in his ears, he hopped from the safety of his perch, and with one giant leap for all chickens, dashed across the road, and lived fear free for ever after; and happily, too, he testified.

Elder Andersen

From giving Thanks to celebrating the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ

Thanksgiving in Bulgaria is only celebrated by Americans, but the Bulgarians all wished us a good Thanksgiving, being concerned that we had the oportunity to celebrate. This we did by having our district of 8 Elders over for a dinner. We provided the meat, gravy, rolls and pies; they brought the rest. Not all of it was typical trimmings, but they were so full with the rolls, and turkey and ham that the pie was practically untouched.

Elder Kasabov and Elder New

Shortly after we had our last Super Saturday of the year in Sofia. Same as before, the parables of the "Lost" and the 10 Virgins. Afterwards we all made our own oil lamps.

Gena and Analie with their lamps

Once a month the Sr. Couples get together and have a conference with Pres. Bennett. This is always a time to coordinate the activities of the Sr.s and relax with a wonderful meal. The Bennett home (Mission Home) is exceptionally nice and inviting.

President Bennett and Elder Jorgensen with Sister Andersen

The following week Sister Bennett invited all the sister missionaries over for a Sister's Gathering. We really felt the spirit of Christmas as we sat around and shared the Christmas traditions of our families. I felt so proud of these beautiful sisters who told of the selflessness of their family traditions where the spirit of Christ was the center of their celebrating, making sure others who were less fortunate did not go without, and the feeling of giving over the self-centeredness of receiving. The future of the Church is in good hands with the strenghth of the army of missionaries in the field. They will be a powerful force for good throughout their lives because of the teachings they have received in their homes, and as they exemplify those teachings wherever they are.

As we prepare for this Christmas, we want all to feel the true joy of the birth, life, and death of our Savior. We share our testimony with you that He came to this earth, as the Son of God, to show us the way back into the presence of our Father in Heaven. May we all put Christ at the center of our thoughts and gifts this season. Share your love and blessings with all around you and may these feelings last throughout the coming year. We love you all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.