Selamat Hari Natal!

{Merry Christmas!}

We were able to talk to Elder James on Skype this morning for a little over an hour and it was the best Christmas ever! He seemed so happy and upbeat and told us so many fun things about his life in Indonesia. He has really learned to love the people and is doing well at speaking the language. He was excited to have dressed up as Santa at the ward party this morning, even though he was in the warm suit for 2 hours when it was 90 degrees and 100% humidity! He said everyone wanted a picture with him and it took forever!

Our second package didn't make it to Semarang in time for Christmas, but they should get it soon. In the package were stockings for he and his companion that were filled with little toys and candies. I'm sure they will be just as thrilled. However, Elder James wasn't without a stocking Christmas morning! 

We put together a calendar full of random pictures of home and life in both Virginia and Utah; he really loved it. We also included some family birthdays. He is sporting his new tie and clip in this picture, along with his new calendar.

A while back I asked if he would take a picture of his favorite meal, Nasi Goreng {Fried Rice}.

We are so grateful for the sacrifices that Elder James is making while he brings the people of Indonesia closer to Christ. We are incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful son and even though we are so far away from him, we are thankful for the technology that brought us closer this Christmas morning. 

Merry Christmas!

-Ellen