Christmas Dinners, Activities, and Programs

Activities, dinners, gifts at Christmas time (clockwise from top right): Lowell singing at ward program, Susan trying the hula after temple worker's party, Susan sponsoring cookie decorating booth, single sisters to our place for Christmas Eve, Susan teaching the Lam family to make gingerbread houses, Susan's Christmas orchid, creative balloon design at ward activity, temple employees dinner, Susan's winning dessert entry, goldfish scooping competition at ward activity.



The day after Christmas we saw a performance by the Jinan Acrobatic Troupe of China. It was absolutely breathtaking. It was a mix of acrobatics, dance and Peking Opera. One number was on bicycles and in the end about 10 women formed a pyramid on one bike as it went around the stage. There was a number where they were twirling hoops and spinning umbrellas with their feet. There was a beautiful aerial ribbon dance and a hoops diving number. We loved it and hope to see one again next Christmas.

Beginnings of Christmas

 

We are seeing the beginnings of Christmas in Hong Kong. Decorations are in---from the (clockwise) tree in the Area Office Bldg main level, twins in their Christmas coats, to a 3-story Christmas tree in a local mall, to Susan's candy house project for the YW, to our own Christmas tree sent by the Lindon 8th Ward, to the gold, frankincense, and myrrh sent to us by a son and his wife (Ken & Kjersti). The only thing missing is the "thrill" in the air.

In Memoriam: Gladys Stum (1917-2009)

When we left for the mission field, we fully expected Susan's mother to be there upon our return. However, she was hospitalized a few weeks ago due to low sodium levels and dehydration. From the hospital she went to Aspen Ridge, a rehab center, but continued to decline and died there peacefully on December 4 surrounded by loving family members. It has been a long nine years for her since Susan's father passed away and we know she was joyfully reunited with him and her other loved ones. She lovingly cared for Susan's Dad the last year of his life. She had always gathered the family together and promoted activities that would create memories. Because of this, the Stum family has very close ties. She will be missed but her legacy of service and good works will live on.

Kristen Visits Us & Tours Hong Kong

 

Our oldest daughter, Kristen, picked a good time to visit us---while the temple was closed for cleaning. We visited Nan Lian Gardens, the Temple, Victoria Peak where the date of dedication is engraved on a rock, the Big Buddha on Lantao Island, the longest escalator in the world, Ocean Park, Monkey Mountain, went shopping, and were invited by the Lam family to see Sai Kung. She survived sleeping on a couch bed in our apartment and even put up with lots of Chinese food for more than a week. We enjoyed having her here and hope she enjoyed being with us.

Skinny Violin

Synchronized Dolphins & Up Close With Sharks

Rhythmic Jellyfish