Christmas Tree and Christmas Presents

Sunday, 30 December 2007

Christmas Tree - Our first Christmas tree! When Mike said "let's put up the Christmas tree" on the 2nd December, I thought that was much too early. Actually it was not that early because shops were already selling Christmas stuff ; many houses and lawns were also decorated with Christmas lightings.

Mike had the tree assembled but it was barren until the following weekend as we could not find the ornaments and the lights in the house to decorate it. It was fun shopping, especially when I got the share to pick what I like to adorn the Christmas tree.



Today is the 4th Sunday and the last Sunday for our Christmas tree for the year 2007. Need to take it down and store it away, with its accompanying decorations. Don't you disappear again unless you don't want to be up that tree come December 2008!

Christmas Presents - I am thankful for the presents that I received this year. My thoughts go to those who are homeless, poor, sick, and lonely while others are feasting and having fun. My thoughts go to those who had to be away from their loved ones due to their duty call in the military, missionary or other fields. Thinking of the less fortunate, who are struggling even with each day's necessities, I am reminded that we need to spend wisely.

I am grateful for the Christmas present, that Heavenly Father has given each and everyone of us, all because He loves us (John 3:16).

Friendships are Presents from Heaven

Saturday, 1 December 2007

In the book "Hugs for Friends" an Unknown said "Some people come into our lives and quickly go... Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same."

They came to Malaysia as missionaries only for awhile and they have left footprints on my heart.

Yes, friendships are presents from heaven! Thanks to all the friends that Mike & I were able to meet. You have made our trip to Utah more meaningful and enjoyable.

Nov 22 (Thur) - Mesa, Arizona - A Thanksgiving Day indeed to meet with Brother Lamb & Brother Rowley, who had served as missionaries in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch.

The members just love them to pieces!

Nov 23 (Fri) - St. George, Utah - Brother/Sister Telford who had served as missionaries in the Kota Kinabalu-Sabah-Malaysia branch . I remembered their first day in Kota Kinabalu as the 20 August 2004.


Brother Telford with his gong from Sabah-Malaysia.

I love to hear Sister Telford sing. She has such lovely voice. She taught the members of the Kota Kinabalu-Sabah-Malaysia branch to sing. There are many songs that reminded me of her when I sing them, my favourite being "As Sisters in Zion and We Will Bring the World His Truth". Because of her, I have learnt to sing better.

Nov 23 (Fri) - St. George, Utah - Brother/Sister Smiley who had served as missionaries in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch in 1999.


24 Nov (Sat) - Bountiful, Utah - Brother/Sister Jensen who had served as missionaries in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch in the period 2004/2005.


25 Nov (Sun) - Farmington, Utah - Sister Norberg, whom I befriended in the internet in January 2006 and have kept in touch since. This is the first time we have met in person!


and Brother Norberg, whom I have only communicated so far via email and telephone!


25 Nov (Sun) - Farmington, Utah - Brother/Sister Jacobs who have served as missionaries in the Kota Kinabalu-Sabah-Malaysia branch, in the period 2003/2004. We had memorable time visiting the Sisters together.


26 Nov (Mon) - Salt Lake City - Brother/Sister Broadhead who had served as missionaries in the Kota Kinabalu-Sabah-Malaysia branch from Jan-June 2000. I remembered whenever I took them home to their apartment, after Sunday church meetings, Sister Broadhead would insisted a hug before I drove away. I was not a hugging person then, but I have learnt!

26 Nov (Mon) - Salt Lake City, Utah - Brother/Sister Bishop who had served as missionaries in the Kota Kinabalu-Sabah-Malaysia branch from Nov-Dec 2001. It was a very short while but they have left footprints on my heart.

26 Nov (Mon) - Salt Lake City, Utah - A wonderful get-together lunch with Brother/Sister Jacobs, Brother/Sister Bishops and Brother/Sister Broadheads.

27 Nov (Tue) - American Fork, Utah - Brother/Sister Folsom, who had served as missionaries in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch in 1998. They were the first LDS missionary couple that Lian, Yean & I met, when we started investigating the church in 1998. It has been 9 years since. Brother/Sister Folsoms were fondly addressed by the children of the branch as "Grandpa" and "Grandma".

27 Nov (Tue) - Provo, Utah - Brother/Sister Merritt who have served as missionaries in West Malaysia, Curent Provo MTC Mission President/Sister Boone who have served as Singapore Mission President, Sister Serrao who have served as missionary in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch. Wonderful people!


27 Nov (Tue) - Provo, Utah - Brother/Sister Watts who had served as missionaries in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch.

28 Nov (Wed) - Cove Fort, Utah - Interestingly we met with Brother/Sister Telford again. They were driving to Midway, Utah and we were driving from Provo Utah!

I hope to meet with the other missionary couples some day! Wonderful people!