Christmas in the Philippines 2012 - Part 1

At the District Christmas party--two little Christmas elves--J and C

Elder M Elder C, 2 more Christmas elves, and Elder C found a 3
headed pina to go in a gift basket

...if Sister M can get into this place, so can I--see the elders in the
background waiting for me to take a nose dive.

Our first caroling visit--to Sister M's ever expanding family.  The
 8 grandkids in the front have all been with her at church single-y
or in small groups--the grown ups never come

Sister M with her newest grandson--the abandoned one

Sister A's family

Our dear Sister C and her lovely daughter Sister K.  It feels like home at their house,
and has since we first arrived here--their big hearts loved us before they even
knew us.  They took us in the first week we arrived, and have included us ever
since. Tonight we spent Christmas Eve with them enjoying great food, FHE,
talents, games, singing and love. Brother and Sister C have 4 boys
and 2 girls,  all grown, all about the same ages as our kids, all musical and athletic
and brilliant.  No wonder we feel at home with them.  Thank you C family
 for making room for us in your hearts.

Christmas decor in San Jose

Pigs and produce being delivered by barge to Christmas feasts. 
Yes they are hanging up side down. And yes they are alive, but they are
resting on a shelf-like thingy

Christmas in Bindoy

Our contribution to the branch party--the pig, not the boys. 
Little A. and J. can't wait!

Another display in Bindoy

underwater theme for this year in Bindoy

the wise men in Bindoy

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from all of us, or from
us to all, or to all of you.  Ya, we still don't know much of this language

Elder Cropper has really kind of ballooned over here

don't remember which festive town this is

entrance to Bais City

The award winning tree in Bais They even have a train that runs
around the tree and you can actually ride in it.

the photo isn't great, but this is still our favorite Christmas setting

Elder M., me, and Elder C. doing a chipmunk chinikins with Elder C. directing

the Amlan Branch loved the chinikins

Merry Christmas on the cake for the Negros Island Christmas missionary devotional

Elves? Reindeer? We are not sure, but we had such fun caroling and
delivering baskets with these fine men of God

At Sisters L.'s house on the beach

The R. family

Sibulan nativity

Sister M, brother J and their son A. with their own festive light display. So this is what Christmas
 looks like here--lots of festivities--lots of caroling and partying--lots of love shared--lots
of decorations and imaginative displays in all the towns--lots of warm, delightful feelings of
 brotherhood. The only thing missing is you.  We love you all so much, 
Merry Christmas