Even thought Hong Kong is not a Christian country they really get into decorating the tall buildings on both sides of the harbor. One the buildings that done in all white lights was especially fascinating with computer generated animations of falling snowflakes, leaping reindeer, and Santa's sleigh pulled by reindeer going around the 100 story building.
Our evening of the Nutcracker started with a potluck dinner at the home of Elder Gerriet Gong and Sister Susan Gong. Elder Gong is cutting toasted crab sandwiches made by Sister Gong. We also had ham on homemade rolls, chicken, a variety of salads, and desserts.
Elder Gong took our picture in front of their Christmas tree to show we had a traditional Christmas.
Part of the group heading for the performance of the Nutcracker Suite performed by Hong Kong Ballet Company at the Hong Kong Cultural Arts Centers. The costumes and scenery made the ballet truly magical.
Sister Gong organized all the female missionaries and employees into a bells choir for our Christmas devotional. I participated in the playing of Away in a Manager.
Our Christmas Day was spent with our Filippina sisters at a branch party. So no one had to cook we had McDonald's chicken wings and pizza. (Everything is open in Hong Kong on Christmas Day, much different than at home.) We played games. The senior missionaries were asked to the judges for a talent show. The sisters have beautiful voices.
One of the traditions in the Philippines is the breaking of the Clay Pot which is filled with candy and money.
Pizza with chopsticks!
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| Sister Berna and Sister Lenie are heading to Canada to work as helpers there. |
The view from The Peak of Hong Kong's two tallest buildings. The taller building on the Kowloon side in the background is the one that was described above with the white Christmas lights. It is over a 100 stories tall.
The 2 1/2 mile walk around the peak had some beautiful vegetation. Pictured is an India Rubber Tree which puts down aerial roots. When they reach the ground they take root and help support and nourish the whole tree. Since there aren't any native pollinators here in Hong Kong the tree does not get fruit on it.
Garnalee is pointing at the date of July 14, 1949, scratched into the rock by the group with Matthew Cowley when he dedicated Hong Kong for missionary work.
View from The Peak of Victoria Harbor.
Tom and Garnalee at The Peak observation tower.
Evening was coming as we descended the mountain in the tram. We came down at a 45 degree angle backwards. It had been a gorgeous day and we enjoyed the sunshine and view.
We had a wonderful Christmas week and hope you did too.
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