We feel that Christmas is finally coming to Sri Lanka.  As we were visiting this week we took several pictures of Christmas decorations.  We will share a few of those with you.
We also took a picture of one of the many contraptions that they call vehicles around here.  This vehicle has a name but we don't know what it is.  We call it a rototiller wagon.
Sister Primali continues to be bedridden with Dengue Fever.  She is so weak and her joints ache.  The doctor told her it could take up to three months before she is totally back to her normal self.  We went to visit  her this week.  We are her visiting teachers.  We took dinner for her and her family.  We made spaghetti, homemade bread, and chocolate cake.  She sent an email later that night saying how much they enjoyed the meal.  This was a special treat for them since they don't cook foods like that.
Some of our favorite English students came for a visit.  They said with English being out they were having withdrawals.  They were lonely for their teachers.  We really enjoyed having Gihan, Dinuka, Krishnan, and Nishanta for several hours on Wednesday.  They wanted to see every inch of our apartment.  These men are wonderful! 
There have been many protests here in Colombo the last few days.  We get a text message from the USA Embassy that tells us where the protests are and to stay away from the area.  I guess the people get very violent sometimes during these protests.
The big event this week was our Colombo Branch Christmas Party.It was suppose to start at 5 pm but it was 6:30 pm before it started.  We are learning to be patient.  Each organization did something for the program.  The Young Men sang some carols as a couple of the boys played guitars.  The Primary did the Nativity and sang several Primary Christmas songs.  The Relief Society sang carols in Sinhala.  Chubby danced for everyone.  She really got into her dance.  Everyone gave her a standing ovation when she had finished. She was so happy!  Several other members danced and sang.  Santa, from the USA Embassy, came and brought each child a gift bag filled with stuffed animals, a fruit drink, soap, toothpaste, pencils and a Christmas ornament.  The children were so so excited! I actually felt the Christmas Spirit as I watched the children and remembered my own wonderful grandchildren and how excited they must be.  After the program we all went outside and enjoyed a catered dinner. Many danced to the music that was provided by a deejay.
We are indeed blessed to know that we have a Savior who came to this earth!

Dinuka, Gihan, Nishanta and Krishnan

Nativity at Primali's home

Rototiller wagon on the street

Roundabout decorated for Christmas

Young men singing

Relief Society sisters singing Sinhala carols



Primary children doing the Nativity

Santa with Rochelle