Christmas with the Clarks

Christmas is the time of year when we're reminded of God's great gift to us - Jesus Christ, Immanuel - God with us. We are so blessed to be able to spend each day with hope, joy, love and peace because of Jesus' gift of life. And thankfully, though maybe not so obviously on the day or in the most outwardly traditional of ways, we were able to celebrate these blessings with family and friends here in Taipei.

It's our fourth Christmas in Taipei... and several of these friends have been around to celebrate with us each time!!! That's a blessing of God's family for us here!!! This year we hosted a Christmas Eve potluck for a few friends and enjoyed a feast of friendship!

Our little bro, Erick, has celebrated Christmas eve or day with us all four years! Next year he'll have to take a trip to NZ to join us! Wouldn't that be fun!!!


It wouldn't be a Clark Christmas party without some kind of game... Tony chose Rich as a back-up singer for his rendition of "Away in the Manger".

The 'winners' sporting their new NZ footwear!

Tony's chocolate cherry cake was a major hit, along with dad's ambrosia.

What's with kids and early morning rising on Christmas?! Hunter's not even 2 and doesn't really even know what the day is about, but for some reason the boy was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 6.30! I guess they just want to make the day last longer!!!

Before opening presents on Christmas morning, we read a Christmas story together. Actually, Tony & Hunter read while Helena ate her breakfast.

Helena's first NZ sheep

Hunter and the table of bounty!

He got some really fun toys and books this year. And was even able to open them himself! A skill which didn't bode well for our chocolate bar a bit later in the process.

It's been a while since we've celebrated Christmas with another Clark. It was great to have Dad be here for our final one in Taipei.

We had Janet & Jay join us for breakfast - it was fun to catch up with them.

Then we headed out for an outing - Christmas at the Taipei Zoo!

After our untraditional day out, we decided to go out to dinner instead of cooking at home - I don't think I've ever gone out to dinner on Christmas - but I could get used to the idea!


Even little Helena got to enjoy the evening out!

Merry Christmas from Taipei