Novel November

November 16-30

It is that time of year when you can easily sense that change is in the air.  It is still a beautiful and special season here at the JSBM.

 Snow

MONDAY   There was a good blanket of snow on the car and ground as we got up this morning.  It later turned to rain but continued to fall for the rest of the day.  When we got to the Memorial for the afternoon shift, Harman’s daughters who were here for Tammi’s birthday had built a couple of snowmen on the lawn outside the residence door.  Since the rain came, they put an umbrella up between them.  It was very cute.   Sisters Tarawhiti and Morgan were at the memorial with a family they had just baptized in Maine.  It was good to see them again and to see the fruits of their labors.  The new convert lady said she had had several dreams about the tree lined road (LDS Lane) and was very excited as she could now put all her dreams together.  Several people called concerning FHE but we held it as usual.  Some of our regular’s are in the hospital so it was a little sparse in attendance but we still enjoyed it.
 

Relief Society Dinner

November 20

Every month the Relief Society Presidency prepares dinner and a lovely activity.  This month we enjoyed making Christmas decorations and/or cards.

Piano Recital

Twice a year the students of Sister Emily Burkholder perform at the Memorial in a recital for parents and friends.  I was invited to play a number at this recital on November 23.

Thanksgiving

Once again, we enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with the other missionaries and a few Ward members at the JSBM residence.  The meal was delicious and we enjoyed visiting with everyone.

Elder & Sister Petersen just arrived this week from Morgan UT.

This is the only time, while we have been here, that there has been two sets of young missionaries.  It will only last for a couple more weeks when Sister Lundahl and Elder Zilles go home.  Elder Adams will be the only one to stay here and he will get a new companion.

Sis. Lundahl, Sis. Erickson, Elder Adams, Elder Zilles

Live Nativity Pageant and Lighting Ceremony

This is the article and pictures that were in the Deseret News about the Live Nativity and Lighting Ceremony which happens the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.
On Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving, visitors from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Montreal, Canada, streamed up the hill to Joseph Smith’s birthplace in Sharon, Vermont, to see beautiful lighted trees and Nativity program with live animals. The program was presented by the Montpelier Vermont and Concord New Hampshire stakes, and was directed by Michelle Wilson.
The first two nights of the event brought an estimated 700 people to see the program and lights. After the program they were treated to doughnuts and hot cider. The lights and the animal displays are great reminders of the Christmas season — bringing in the Christmas spirit and a feeling of joy to visitors. The display will be open each evening throughout December.

A look at the stable under the star

The Birthplace Memorial is placed in the hills of Sharon, where the Prophet Joseph Smith was born on Dec. 23, 1805. The Memorial is marked by a 38 ½ foot tall granite obelisk, on a 12 foot base of solid granite. The Church placed the memorial on Joseph’s 100th birthday.
The obelisk itself has one foot of height for each year the Prophet lived. It is currently the tallest polished, solid granite obelisk in North America.

It was a cold but beautiful day as we prepared for the Live Nativity