Feliz Navidad~desde España Hermoso

Querido Familia y Amigos,

Feliz Navidad!  It is 9:00 pm Christmas Eve and we are on the road, returning from the pueblo of Corbera de Llobregat where we watched a live nativity—“Pressebre de Vivent”.  We wanted to do something that would bring a sacred spirit to the holiday and create yet another Christmas memory, so we decided to drive two hours to see it.  We are so glad we did!  It was magnificent! No only did they have live animals but an entire village of authentic artisans, families, homes and stables.  Mary and Joseph wound their way through the trees on the donkey and found their way to a rustic, old stable tucked in the hillside.  When the angels announced the birth of the Savior, dozens of Catalonian Shepherds poured out of the surrounding hills and cliffs with their sheepskin vests and red, wool caps and knelt before the Christ Child.  

Catalonian shepherd toasting bread over the fire.

No room in the Inn.

Rustic Stable (Note Cow in the Corner)

Joseph and Mary cradling the baby Jesus.

Shepherds throng to worship the Christ Child.

Young Jesus...the carpenter's son.

Magnificent Backdrop

Blacksmith's Shop

On our drive today we decided to stop and explore these old “pillboxes” that we think were built in the 1930 during the Spanish Civil War.  We have driven by them dozens of times thinking that we should take time to go explore them.  We had time to do that today…so interesting.  I am curious to find out more of their history, but there is no doubt that they were very strategically placed.  I could just see my grandkids scrambling over the hills exploring these old structures.

"Pillbox"in defense of Catalonia

Hidden Entrance

Strategic Viewpoint

As for the rest of the week, things were really quiet.  Nearly all of our members left town to celebrate with distant family or were busy with other holiday plans.  We did prepare and serve our last two holiday meals for families from our branch.  They are such dear people!  Many of them carry burdens that we don’t really understand but we have tried to show our love by inviting them into our home.  Earlier in the week we were able to deliver our last five cookie tins full of American cookies to investigators and less active members.  During the holidays doors and hearts seems to open more quickly to our visits.

Antezana Family at the Farmhouse

We found ourselves with an empty morning so we decided to take a hike across an old medieval bridge in Andorra.  The first half-mile was sunny and beautiful, but remember that all mountains in Andorra go straight up.  After the next half-mile I thought I was going to pass out or have a heart attack from lack of oxygen!.  Elder Fowers had to dump me on the trail and press on without me, so I just sat on a rock and took pictures.

Hiking the Medieval Bridge Trail

Chilly Morning

Village Below

A bit of sad news for us, we are losing Elder Graham this week because he is being transferred to Valencia next Tuesday.  He is the last of the two Elders who helped us so much during those first few weeks when we were trying to get oriented.  Our Christmas dinner with the Elders tomorrow will be his last supper in the old farmhouse.

Farewell Elder Graham

May you all be filled with the joy and hope that Jesus Christ gives to this troubled world.  Remember to take a moment to thank God for the gift of his precious son.  You will be in our thoughts tomorrow.  Merry Christmas to all!

Elder and Hermana Fowers