Week 47 - 

On Sunday, Dec. 21st, the Cabao Ward came to the Annex to provide a wonderful Christmas Concert for the temple missionaries.  This has been a tradition for 19 years!  There were approximately 50 participants along with their families.  They arrived with all their equipment in a Jeepney, and two trucks, so probably 80 people total.  It was so much fun to have them perform our traditional Christmas hymns and popular songs, as well as their native ones.

We love taking pictures of the people!

It was a great evening!

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Christmas Eve was an evening hosted by the Jensens.  They furnished chili and bread and the rest was potluck:

 Santa's coming, Santa's coming...oh goody-goody!!!

 Caught in a wink!

 Santa came, then we sent him on his way to the States.

 Elder England reading his favorite Christmas story...

 Doc Morrison telling a Christmas experience...

The Three Amigos singing...

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Christmas Day we were invited to 

President & Sister Amistad's home for dinner:

Setting up:

Dinner is served:

All in all, it was an enjoyable day.  We will

remember it always!

Parting thought:

"Christmas is what we make of it. Despite all the distractions, we can see to it that Christ is at the center of our celebration. If we have not already done so, we can establish Christmas traditions for ourselves and for our families which will help us capture and keep the spirit of Christmas."

—Thomas S. Monson, "Because He Came"

Week 46 - again

I went for a walk after a rainstorm, and noticed a difference:  even though the seasons don't change, except from hot to hotter and wet to wetter, the flowers do.  It is amazing to see the different ones come out.  These are some we haven't seen before:

Orchids

It is amazing that these orchids are growing without

 touching the ground.  One plant is in a dead tree stump, 

the other is elevated on a metal stand.

This is the green plant I was attracted to when

we arrived.  This must be its "blossom" and

I can't decide if it is a dried up corn stalk

or a dried up cattail.  Pretty cool anyway!

News Flash:  Y'all remember the stubbed toe.  Well, it finally came off after seven months.

Before:

After:

 It is actually doing quite well now.

Parting thought again: