Christmas time in Liberia is certainly less visible than in other parts of the world, but still a great time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We gathered our 173 missionaries in four separate Christmas Conferences. The theme for the conferences was “Let Him In,” taken from the quote by Neal A. Maxwell: “Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus.” The first couple of hours of each conference, we talked about our role of letting the Savior into our lives. Jeff and I spoke briefly, but the impressive part was hearing talks and musical numbers given by some of our missionaries. I am amazed at their experiences and testimonies. As our gift to the missionaries, Jeff and I gave them scripture bags made of lapa (Liberian fabric) with an old fashion key attached, as a reminder to “Let Him in.”
After lunch, the missionaries acted out the Nativity story as a gift to Jeff and me, to carry on our family Christmas Eve tradition. One zone played the actors while the other zones either played the chimes, bells, or sang Christmas songs. I loved it. Each group brought their own special flare.
We then had a talent show put on by the missionaries, played a few games, and sang the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” but instead of the words, “my true love gave to me,” we sang, “my mission gave to me” with the gifts ranging from bucket showers to broken bicycles to a two-year supply of doxy(cycline).
Several parents of missionaries donated money so ALL the missionaries could enjoy Christmas. Because there is so little to do here on P-day, we decided to use the money to purchase gifts for each of the apartments. As missionaries are assigned to an area, they rotate from apartment to apartment, and can enjoy the appliances, exercise equipment or games. Each apartment got one gift: an electric piano, a blender for making smoothies, a pull-up bar, portable ping pong equipment, a waffle iron, a frisbee and soccer ball, nerf basketball, and Yahtzee/dice games. The missionaries were excited and truly grateful for the generosity of so many parents.
The highlight of the afternoon was “Superhero Santa”—Brother Morris, bringing gifts in his Superman costume. Brother Morris is our mission driver and is one of a kind. We are grateful he is so willing to play along with us.
We also held our quarterly Sisters’ Conference with the theme, “Charity Never Faileth,” and decorated cookies and made crafts for the sisters to take to others. That day was capped with our Couples’ Camp, whereas senior missionaries, we enjoyed dinner together at the clubhouse, and watched a Christmas Story—that old story that never gets old. We love our senior couple friends!
To close out our December Christmas celebrations, roughly a third of our missionaries (those serving in the Virginia area) participated in the Liberia Stake Choir Festival, singing “Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains,” written by John Macfarlane, an ancestor of our own Sister North! Following, we sang Shawna Edward’s “The Miracle”—a beautiful number that reminds us Christ’s greatest miracle of all was the miracle that “rescues you and me.” We feel such gratitude for Him!
Christmas was great, highlighted by Christmas Eve with our missionaries (over Zoom) in the Southeast, dinner with the Blanchards and other missionaries on Christmas day, and on Christmas night, FaceTime calls with our children and 12 grandchildren. But 2025 Newsflash! It’s now 13 grandchildren! Aaron and Kayla had a baby girl, January 3rd. We’re so excited to meet Caroline Rae in person when we get home. Caroline makes three grandchildren that have been born since we left.
Pres. and Sis. Thomas,
Thank you so very much for the updates. It really helps me personally. You two have always been an inspiration to me since I started working in the Stake Presidency. God Speed and many happy new years.
Love reading your updates, Nancy! I can hear your voice in them!
President and Sister Thomas,
I love your updates and your beautiful spirits just shine through so wonderfully. I’m glad your Christmas was fulfilling and wish you the best in your service to the Lord and the people of Liberia. Keep up the exceptional work!
This is your 3rd Christmas in Liberia. I imagine it was very different from your 1st one. You’ve assimilated to the culture and become a part of the community. It may not be any easier as a mission head but you’ve gained so much. I have enough trouble taking care of Gail and I let alone your having 173 missionaries to shepherd! Congratulations on the addition of your 13th grandchild! Zoom calls can’t take the place of physically holding your grandchildren but you’ll be home in 6 months. May God bless you, Nancy, your children and grandchildren abundantly.