Christmas Day In Hong Kong!

This Christmas we had two Christmas trees.

This one was decorated traditionally with lights, garland and ornaments for all to see from the walkway below.

And

This one was sent to us by our daughter-in-law, Lyndsay, and is made of the handprints of each member of our family.  The ornaments are photos of our children and grandchildren.

Even though it hangs on the wall and can't be seen by many, it is our favorite and the most treasured.

Thank you, Lyndsay!

We started our Christmas day by sleeping in.

Elder Bodily surprised me with a beautiful gold necklace with the charm of the Chinese character for longevity, and my favorite chocolates - Lindt Linder Balls were hid in my missionary stocking that Allison had sent.

My gift to him was a special red tie.  I think I bought the last red tie in Hong Kong - that is one of the reasons this tie is so special.  He found coconut balls in his missionary stocking.
Thank you, Allison for our cute stockings.

Received treasured cards, drawings, and videos from our grandkids,
and members from our Shafer View Ward.

Danielle sent super soft socks, and cross-stitched this perfect reminder that we are Idahoans.
Thank you, Danielle
 and to everyone!

After opening gifts, we skyped with our Williams family in St. Louis.
This was actually on Christmas Eve for them.

After skyping, we went to Wan Chai to prepare for our branch's Christmas party.

It began at 1:30 with Vee Sadayo narrating 

and other branch members acting out the First Christmas.

Sister and Elder Orton as Mary and Joseph

Each family group prepared a musical number for our program.

The Rollog/Bodily Family

We sang Sama Sama Tayo, four danced, and Elder Bodily shared a Christmas message.

 The Van Wagenen Family

The Orton Family

The Page Family

This brother was baptized just a few months ago.  He is wise man.

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Wilma and Marigold

Grace and her sister

More photos during our celebration.

About 1/2 of the Bodily/Rollog Family Group

Julietta gave me a quick dance lesson after the party was over

I think I have two left feet.

The lobby has been decorated beautifully with nativities, garland, and a tree.

One last photo in the lobby before heading back to our apartment.

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More Skyping after we got back from the party.

The Thomases in Austin

The Biggers in SLC

The Bodilys in Nampa

The Parks also in Nampa

The Younger Bodilys in Laramie

(Skyping with the Parks and young Bodilys happened a little later)

This day was so different for us from Christmases past, with us being far from our family, and having pizza and fried chicken in place of our traditional Christmas Dinner of Chicken Rolls and Ribbon Salad. But, it was a good day as we made contact with our children via the internet, had an enjoyable time with the faithful sisters in the branch, but especially as we reflected upon the blessings we have received because of the birth and life of our Savior Jesus Christ and His gift to us.

Our gift to Him is to serve this mission and 

help carry on His work in the Hong Kong Temple.

WE WISH OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS A MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM HONG KONG!