Mountains and Merry Christmas!

As we approach our second Christmas here, even though our hearts yearn for home and family, we're thankful for this 'assignment' to serve here in China.  We have learned much, experienced much, gained greater perspectives and learned for ourselves the reality of walking with Jesus Christ.  At this season we're extraordinarily thankful for Him.  He is our Savior.  He is our strength. He is our Friend.  We can only hope to be a light to others here. 

This year we've had some mountains to climb--both physically and symbolically.  

Purple mountain in Nanjing

Language acquisition is an ongoing challenge.  Even Tom, who speaks quite well feels stretched at times, which should give you an idea of the struggle of the rest of us.  I spend several hours a week learning and I'm still not speaking much and unable to understand responses when I am able to muster a few words.  But, Jesus Christ has been with us on this mountain.  Language acquisition is a process, not an event, therefore we have divine help often, and that is a wonderful blessing.

Emei Mountain (6 km of stairs)

Online church is a struggle.  It is very challenging to really connect to others and feel a part of a fellowship of saints, especially for the girls. It is easy to become lax in Sunday dress when you're on your couch, mental preparations to partake of the Sacrament seem a little more difficult and it is difficult to serve in callings as well as allowing yourself to be served. But it is a blessing to be able to meet together on Zoom with Saints across all of China. We're learning a lot and gaining a true world view as we have branch members from all over the world; we are strengthened by their testimonies and experiences.   

Hiking the wild part of the Great Wall--

Being away from family, our ward and the temple has been difficult.  We miss so many things.  Our friends and family have needed care this year that we haven't been able to give in person. Frequent replenishing at the temple has not been possible.  But we're carried. Pray is such a solace.  Technology is a blessing and the comfort the Holy Ghost provides is a treasure.

Xiaozi Mountain in Taiwan

Living in a culture that doesn't have religious freedom or Christian values built into it has several challenges. Sometimes we've had to miss church to go to work functions because it is demanded that we attend and we can't explain why we can't attend.  People here don't accept service without either payment or ceremony. The work-work-work society is heartbreaking to watch and makes having friends for the girls impossible.  The dishonesty is disheartening. The impact of these things roll out into so many areas of life that are nearly impossible to describe. 

YET, the people are wonderful!  We love them and hope that they can feel the love of Jesus Christ through us.  We are constantly trying to find ways to serve and help them. That part of living here is so joyful.  

This Christmas we decided to let some of our friends choose something from the online Giving Machines to donate.  This was a very meaningful activity for us to watch them comprehend what we were asking them to do and to see how moved they were to choose something.  It was fascinating to watch them deliberate what to donate and to see what they would pick.  Several things were chosen, but hands down the polio vaccinations were the most popular.  They all left our home expressing how touched they were to be a part of something important.  I even had my English club class vote on what to give as a class (the voting concept was also foreign to them, and delightful to watch them take part in that process; they were truly in awe that they got a voice). This has made this Christmas season so wonderful for us.    

The above screenshot is from one of our friend's We-Chat moments. It says:  "Delicious cookies made by the children themselves."  And "Today, with the help of friends, I donated a black goat to poor children in Africa, some polio drugs and some documents needed to help escape from dangerous areas, which is of great significance!" (and then he shared the picture he took of one of my nativities.)

During our open house of 'Christmas giving'

Another way I try to serve is through my We-Chat posts.  It is my constant prayer that others will eventually be led to the light of Jesus Christ.  Here is my Christmas post this year:

Whether it is a sad looking tree,

a plain piece of tissue paper,

bare cookies

or struggling situations,

Christmas is about making things more beautiful.  

Each year Christmas reminds me that lives can be improved by serving others, giving to struggling causes, developing talents or strengthening my character to respond better to life's challenges.  Because of Christmas, all things can become beautiful!

Christmas is about hope for better things.  It's about making life more beautiful for others.  For me, it is such a joyous season! (end We-Chat post)

Because of Jesus Christ there is joy in climbing mountains, in incremental growth and in baby steps in preparing a few people for the preaching of the gospel.  This IS a great work!

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In other Christmas news:

We attended a Christmas party.  That was an interesting experience! Loved the spelling!

A Brazilian friend came for lunch!

It snowed!  The girls were beyond thrilled!

We are entertained by their attempts at Christmas trees.  We have had Christmas activities where we go to a mall and rate them.  We can't do Christmas lights drives, so Christmas tree evaluations will have to do for now!

It is so comical how often the tree is pulled out of the box without the branches getting 'fluffed'.  

There is some creativity, which I applaud!

As always, there is something interesting to see and learn in China! 

We are thankful for each of you and your friendship and love to us.  We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!