Week of Dec 23, 2013

Christmas in Indonesia

We were invited over to the Tagiman home. They are pioneer saints in Indonesia. A previous mission president and now patriarch. Wonderful people who emulate the principle of meekness. We are grateful for the opportunity to know such stalwarts.

On Christmas eve we had 4 elders and 4 sisters join us along with Elder and Sister Lisk (the office missionary couple) and Sister Donald, our mission presidents wife. We had our traditional waffle supper....a first for some of the native Indonesians

Note the gong in the upper right. Elder Lucherini's Christmas present.

                                                  Elder Lisk seemed to enjoy the waffles'

The Elders and Sisters seemed to have a great time, eating , singing Christmas songs and playing games

A beautiful Christmas Eve skyline of Jakarta

 

Christmas day we spent with about 26 other missionaries at a members home

 

 

                   President Donald, our mission President (far left), with the missionaries.

Our tree was small, and we missed the snow. But still a wonderful Christmas. Highlighted by the opportunity to Skype with all of our children. The first time we have been able to speak with all of them.

                                               Christmas evening sunset over Jakarta.

                 A view from our apartment balcony looking down to the swimming pool 22 floors below.

 

 

 While we are away from our families and loved ones and have deeply missed them. There is something uniquely special about Christmastime in the mission field. With minimal focus on buying gifts and the hustle and bustle that can come with this time of year. It has been a joy to be focused on service and working with those in need. It simplifies everything and helps us to focus more on what the season is all about. The birth of Jesus Christ and all the wonderful gifts we receive from him.

Wise Men Still Seek Him
By the sweat of their brows, with their hands men earn bread,
Among them are those that desire to be led.
With spiritual eyesight sent from above,
They sense a sign pointing to He who is Love.
They carry forth gifts not fit for a king,
Through service they witness what hope, Emmanuel means.
The child of God they encounter is not found in a manger,
It's the brother or sister they once viewed as a stranger.
As the star in the East led the wise men of old,
The bread of Life leads wise men today to the hungry and cold.
And sends to the fatherless, the widow, the poor,
Earthly angels proclaiming His love evermore.
Precious gifts to the Christ child upon a holy night were once brought,
But wise men today a new thing are taught,
"Give unto others as Christ would have you give."
Remember the season and echo the reason for His miraculous birth.