To bring you some Christmas cheer, we share some of the things
that happened with our family this year.
Still Still Still ~ Austrian Christmas Carol
“Still, still, still, One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed, The world is sleeping,
Holy Star it's vigil keeping.
Still, still, still, One can hear the falling snow.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, 'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes, Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, 'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
Dream, dream, dream, Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream, Of the joyous day to come.”
Sperry's current job titles: "Student Driver & Tower of Power”
Sperry is now a Sophomore in high school. She lives in the rolling party zone called “teen life”. If you ever want to learn how to play “spoons” or “lies” card games… she is your girl. Last summer she had the BEST job ever: she helped little kids learn to swim. She has a gift of calming kids fears of the water. She also had several new “boyfriends”; toddler boys fall fast & hard! Some even tried to kiss her on the cheek. But, huddle in close, let me share the secret to becoming a friend with Sperry… tell her your story: the more hilarious/embarrassing/personal/ your secret crush… she will appreciate it mucho!! Another thing, Sperry loves volleyball and served as captain. She has a graceful serve and plays on the front row by the net and block kill shots. Momma calls her the “tower of power”. But my all out favorite thing about watching her play volleyball is how she cheers everyone on and lifts others UP. This year was also the end of being the “tall girl” and many are finally passing her in height (including the guys). She be tight with her bro’s, likes watching a rom-com with mom, and continues her quest to beat her dad in chess and win bragging rights and a chocolate orange. AND most of all, she is seeing miracles and gifts from God. Sperry is seeing that our Heavenly Father has a special place in His heart for women. If you don’t know how God feels about you, ask Him and you will be amazed at the feeling of worth that fills your heart. Sperry loves telling us how everyone will have her driver’s license before she will. She is probably the BEST driver of all 3 kids. She has her learner’s permit, but won’t be legit till summer. This girl is a blessing to us. She loves learning sign language… another way to chat with friends. Sperry has enjoyed studying with her posse’ in the library (of course it’s a quite a “quiet” party). But, ask her to go camping, hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing and let’s just say a bribe goes a long way with your youngest child. Chica, we love where you are, where you are headed, and you start your day with seminary, friends, and “getting all spiritual”.
Jacob's NEW job title, student: going BLUE @BYU
(que song: all the single ladies)
Jacob has returned home.
I repeat, Jacob is home… for a few weeks. Soon we will drive over the mountains and thru Wyoming to Grandma Karen’s we go. After welcome home hugs & high fives from friends and family, we drop him off at his new home/dorm at BYU. Jacob loved and I mean LOVED being a missionary. For 730 days, Jacob was literally a special representative for our Savior, Jesus Christ. He met, so many wonderful people in Panama and lived in cities from one end of the country to the other. 
But remember a mission isn’t about WHERE you serve, it’s all about WHO you serve, Christ.
Sure he knows how to ride a “diablo rojo bus” like a local, learned Espanol, ate spaghetti almost daily, walked a gazillion miles (Crocs sandals are strong), road in boats, countless hours in busses and taxis, can power a canoe, bucket shower, live in a hut, and survive in big beautiful cities. But MOST of all, he learned that everything in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is personal. Jacob shared how Jesus Christ can help us feel peace and purpose. Some of those he met, wanted to be baptized and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He came home a better version of himself. One thing no everyone knows, Jacob had taken his thrifting to a new level during his personal and preparation days in Panama when he lived in big cities. When came home and unpacked his suitcase in our family room, I watched a stack of jerseys grow. Thrifting often comes in “themes”... warning you might get one for your birthday (Matt, Christian & AJ). Stop by & say “hi”. This man is excited to go from serving to student & from Panama to Provo.
Carter's NEW job title, "Elder Sargent"
Talk about a huge year: Carter made friends with concepts in calc, loved the friends and fun of senior year, ran cross country and track in high school, enjoyed every shift at Chick-fil-a while he earned money for his mission and college. In May he graduated seminary and high school, in the summer he ran a Spartan race. In July, Carter began to labor as a full-time missionary in the Tempe Arizona Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This kid had been blessed with strength of character and a happy heart. No matter the trouble, Carter can dig deep, become a machine, and climb as a true “mountain man”. He has always enjoyed the blessing of health and strength. But at the start of Carter’s mission, he got really sick. His wise mom diagnosed it as allergies due to a new climate, and advised Zyrtec. Fortunately, Elder Sargent listened to the promptings of the Holy Ghost to seek “a 2nd opinion” and he went to a Doctor. Turns out, he had pneumonia… who gets pneumonia in such a hot climate? After several weeks of recovery and a few more trials in his health, he used his down time to dig deep spiritually and build his spiritual muscles. Fully recovered with a deeper understanding of the purpose of trials, he now serves in the area with the biggest biking boundaries in the mission. Carter loves any challenge, and Tempe AZ mission sponsored a 5k for the Missionaries, you know Carter went all in and finished “Rocky” strong! Carter’s last letter shares a glimpse of daily miracles Missionaries witness: “Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, so why not spread that joy around? One of our more visited places is a senior living center... We approached a dining hall, and asked those around us if they knew who the person we're delivering cookies was. They didn't know, really. As we were searching for her, We noticed an older lady sitting alone at the end of a long table. She was the person we were looking for, but she wasn't in the mood we were hoping for. She was really sad about living here, and since she knew nobody she was alone too. As we were getting to know her, I notice a piano sitting by a corner. ‘If only I could play something for them,’ I wondered. Almost immediately after thinking that, another thought popped into my head ‘You can.’ With the songs that I knew best, I started to play. As I was playing however, my fingers seemed to be guided, and notes popped into my head. Out of no preparation of mine, I played one the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Yes, Heavenly Father uses our gifts to help and assist everyone, but He also uses them to work Miracles through you. I know that I've been guided by Him during my service, and through times of hardship I am becoming someone I would have never thought of becoming. Sacrifices bring the blessings of heaven, and with them, you become a little brighter. A little kinder, A little happier, until you realize your old self was but a memory. I have found on my mission, that the more I use my unique gifts and abilities, the better they become. Never pass up a moment for you to grow. Because growth is one of Life's greatest moments.” Want Carter’s weekly email? Let me know, email: sargent.family@gmail.com. Ps: Carter kid: “every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.” (rocky quote). We miss you deeply & love you incalculably. Grateful you are serving, keep sharing your light with all.
Marci and Scott/Ma-n-Pa: the age of parents
We are grateful to have some creative “date time” spent together: tandem riding, canoeing, grocery shopping, movies, and eating take out in our pj’s. We are grateful to have a new car (that’s big doings around here!), updated cell phones that can now run apps, and be blessed with the same dog, Fawna, same kids that sometimes like to be with us, cool job at the rocket factory, and be supported by family @ friends. We are grateful for ALL Missionaries, and their supportive families. Faith & family run deep around these parts, and we invite all to visit, and get hugged.
Merry Christmas & may 2020 bring insight, peace, & all the reading glasses you can handle!!
