We enjoyed Christmas fun and parties.

Workers gathered for a fiesta de traje-a potluck dinner-to honor Bro. and Sis. Oropeza Dec. 14. Brother Israel Caballero started the ball rolling after the devotional in November, by asking President Dyer for permission to plan a gathering with families of the workers. Other people had wanted to do this, but he was brave and presented his plan.

Brother Oropeza told of participating in a tradition of bringing Christmas cheer through song in a bus terminal.

Sis. Oropeza recounted how her mother had taught her to share with those less fortunate although Christmas funds were very scarce at their home.

Bro. and Sis. Garrido helped plan the farewell party.

Llemi Euan was one of the Oropeza's protegees. They were a great source of encouragement to all of us.

Victor Romero was being trained to help with the registrar's responsibilities. He and his wife, Wakaka, brought their little daughter in traditional Japanese dress.

The "trio"was joined by the Oropezas for song and pictures.

After the sealing, a wedding reception was held for Brother and Sister Cejín's daughter Nayiva at the converted Hacienda Zapata. There were many people there that we knew from the temple or from their wards, and many friends of the young couple also attended. They have been students at Institute, so they are the Mortensons' children, too

As we were grocery shopping in October at Chedraui, Sister Smith and I saw that the Christmas ornaments were already out. We decided they would make good presents for the obreras, so started buying them. In mid-December we made a trip to Cosco for packages of Oreos (everyone's favorite) and then at the last minute decided we needed another couple dozen ornaments so the men made a trip downtown with us. We bagged the presents by the shifts at the temple so we would not miss giving a cariñito to any of these women that we have learned to love so much.

We couldn't stay serious very long!

Even with people going on vacation, we only ended up with 13 bags that hadn't been given out. We have received little gifts from these people all year long, and we especially value their hugs and kisses and the expressions of appreciation for our efforts. This is like the blessings we receive from Heavenly Father--we can never begin to repay all the love we have been given, we can just value it and try to do better..