Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

This past week just flew flew by!!!!!!!! So Crazy. I love Christmas so much and this time of the year. I have come so far and grown so much since my beginning days in Brasov. I can't believe while I am writing to you from Deva, my companion...former companion Elder Olson is spending the day in Bucuresti. Going to Cismigiu Park, interview with President, spending the night with the Assistants and heading home TOMORROW. These past 5 weeks went by super quick and I will miss Elder Olson, I taught him a lot and I think he taught me a lot. Just kidding, he did teach me a lot. It was a pleasure to serve with him. And I think he convinced me of the true school I need to go to...The University of Utah. I will still love BYU though. But I don't want to talk about that right now. That's another day, and another story. 
So I forgot, at this time last week, I was in TIMISOARA! Playing some paintball and did email there and then back up to Arad, last p-day for Elder Olson. Just thought I'd say that...next week I'll try and be in Oradea for P-day, just kidding. 
Last Tuesday it snowed but it didn't stick at all and just melted, even though it snowed for most of the afternoon and night, it was all just too light and that was the second time so far this winter snow wise....I bet in two weeks there will be snow on the ground. Hopefully. Tuesday we went to the shelter also for a little bit, we didn't really help out, they were getting ready for their Christmas parties they would be doing Wednesday and Friday. And those were so much fun/crazy all at the same time and will be one of my most favorite Christmas memories ever. I love going there so much. I can't really explain it, but it was just an awesome experience and a lot of fun time, making new friends and getting to know people. Some people that are really looked down upon in this country and others that are just everyday normal people that I probably would never ever meet. I love the Shelter.
Wednesday also, after the shelter, a lot of the members all met together to prepare for the Christmas party the next day and I learned basically the secrets and all the mysteries of making the SARMALE. I'll make it for all of you next Christmas...if you remind me. It's kinda a big deal and I'll forget. But it was fun just hanging out with all the members, and learning about sarmale. Every year they make it here in Arad and also in Brasov they would as well. They prepared it all Wednesday and then Thursday morning they all cooked it. I think just one of the members took the 3 big pots that the sarmale was in and she made it Thursday morning.
Oh man, Thursday evening. Those dang Sisters Hickman and Cottam, they did this totally on purpose. I can't sing. :( So the party started around 6. We got there and everything had been set up, stable, manger, Christmas trees, the day before and Tuesday as well. After English. 6 we started. So going to the church we got a ride from the McFaddens. And we brought some brownies made by me and other stuff. Then we get to the church and they ask us if we had brought the star (pretty big sized, 8 pointed, to go above the stable) hehe we forgot, so we just drove back home picked it up and went back to the church, we get there about 5:50 max. And then we get everything set up last minute and it's all good....oh wait, where are the sisters?! Dang it! They don't show up until about 6:30 and as a part of the program we all were supposed to sing O Little Town of Bethlehem, And it was like first thing in the program...and as you guessed it, me and Elder Olson sang it by ourselves. And me and Elder Olson are about the same musically talented (singing wise) I got him beat on the piano. But I know it was bad, but everyone felt bad for us and told us we did a great job....I was a little chapped off at those sisters. but rest of the program was great. Bivald makes a great Mos Craciun (aka Santa Clause) and all the kids loved it. One member broke the bathroom door, fiber glass I think? and upstairs in the kitchen, not sure why, the tile floor just broke unexplainbly. It was a great night. haha. Lots of family members of members and some investigators. YAY!
Friday. Good day and Saturday lots of fun, tried and succeeded in visiting nearly all the members with the car, sisters, and Mcfaddens, we went caroling to all of them and brought them some goodies. Ate very well that night, because everyone had something ready to give to the carolers and as tradition usually all the kids go out in the blocs and on the streets caroling and expecting gifts/money in return. And we started with a lot of gifts but in the end with all the members giving us stuff, I think we ended up with more than we started haha. Everyone is so nice here, and I love them all so much.
Christmas Eve it was great talking to the family! Everyone but Garrett! I love you Garrett and wish you a merry Christmas, brother. 
It was a great Christmas here in Arad. One to remember for the rest of my life. I love this time of the year and can't believe we're entering already into 2012. I hope you all are doing great in your respective cities. Arad is doing great (I'm here) hehe. I love this time of the year, think about what I wish I did in the past year, this year that's nearly done, and what I want to do the next year. Make goals and achieve them. Be better everyday. Too easy.
Much love.