Christmas Eve Call

We got to talk to Russ on Christmas Eve at 2:30 in the afternoon.  He sounded great and told us to give everyone a holiday shout out.  He was excited because they'd had 4 baptisms this week.  He also said that it was about 85 degrees with comparable humidity so it makes it extra Christmassy.  He'll spend Christmas Eve having dinner with member family then he and Elder Inman will go back to their pench and open presents late tonight as that is the custom in Argentina.  After that they get to watch a demonstration of military might as the entire country sets off fireworks at the stroke of midnight.  His mission president gave them permission to stay up late to watch and Russ said they have a great view from their pench.  On Christmas they'll have a dinner with a family but will spend the day working as usual as much as they can.
He is loving the area, his companion, the ward members and the investigators he is teaching.  He is happy, loving the work and grateful to be serving a mission.  He spoke Spanish to us and sounded very impressive especially since we had no idea what he was saying.
It was a wonderful Christmas gift to hear his voice and know that he is well and happy.
Merry Christmas!

Russ and Santa Claudio