DECEMBER 2015 – CELEBRATIONS

DECORATIONS….. 

Elder and Sister McCollum enjoy a decorated tree in the Centre for Academic Success.  (left side) Sister McCollum makes green word-strips using many of the one word names for Jesus found in the scriptures.  She laminates and assembles theses names on their bedroom door in the shape of a tree and adds greetings cards and photos they receive. (right side photo) Despite all the events of December, work with students continues in the Centre.  Did you know?  Our office area has been renovated and expanded.  Picture to be displayed in the January 2016 Blog edition.

As service missionaries they receive a card from the Prophet and his counselors: President Monson, President Eyring, President Uchtdorf

” We testify that Jesus Christ is the light, the life, and the hope of  the world.  He wrought the great atoning sacrifice and then was resurrected, that we might have happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.  May your testimony of our Redeemer and your obedience to His gospel bless you this Christmas season and always.”

INSIDE of card                                                                                           FRONT of card

CHRISTMAS at the LAIE TEMPLE VISITORS CENTER

The Visitor Center in Laie, is the second busiest LDS Visitors Centre in the world, exceeded only by Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  Each Christmas the Stakes on the Island of Oahu decorate and display trees at the Visitors Centre.  Here are some highlights!

 

Sister McCollum helps decorate the “PEACE” tree, prepared by the BYUH Women’s Organization.  Above photo on left side.

FAMILY VISITORS COME TO LAIE

Son, Brett and his wife Samantha fly from Calgary AB to Oahu HI for a visit in Laie, to attend a Chemistry instructor conference in Honolulu and vacation on the island of Oahu.

BUSY TIME: dinner together with 8 McCollum family members, tour of BYUH campus, visit to PCC night show, the Temple grounds and visitor centre, explore the hill behind the temple, walk at the beach and brunch at the Hukilau Cafe.

This statue is on the hill behind the temple and is in memory of a Hawaiian woman who “mothered” Joseph F. Smith who later in his advanced years became prophet of the LDS church.  As an orphan of 15 years of age, he was sent to Hawaii on a mission.  He served several missions in Hawaii; once he became seriously ill and was nursed back to good health by Naoheakamalu Manuhii. Whenever JF Smith visited the Hawaiian Islands he made sure he would see this dear woman whom he called “Mother”.

Elder and Sister McCollum’s first ever visit to the Hukilau Cafe for brunch with B&S.

LAIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT

It’s a big evening for the town as residents, family and friends gather to see each of the grades perform in a Christmas Concert held at the Cannon Activity Centre on the campus of BYUH.

“Elf ” Samuel’s artwork decorates the wall. CAC is packed! (Photo shows just one end of the gym.)

Grandson Samuel performs along with all the kindergarten-age children.  Following the presentations, Santa arrives and the huge tree just outside the CAC begins to glow!

TWO BIRTHDAYS

The McCollum Clan gather on-line for a google chatroom visit with family at Calgary AB, Okotoks AB, Fort Collins CO, Medford OR, Victoria BC and Oahu HI wishing Grandpa a Happy 71st Birthday.  Grandpa Sam and Grandson Samuel share a December birthdate!  Grandpa, born in Ontario and Samuel born in Virginia and both born during snow storms!  On the birthday celebration morning, Grandpa, Grandma and grandson Henry enjoy a windy walk at the beach.

LAIE TEMPLE WEDDING & RECEPTION – bride & groom from “Peoples Republic of China”

Emily and Chao are students at BYUH.  Their parents travel from China to attend the wedding. Elder and Sister McCollum receive an unusual wedding invitation; they attend the temple to see the couple make convenants and be sealed for eternity.

The “Chinese” reception is held at the campus stake centre.

The newlyweds play a game that is popular at weddings in China. They sit back to back; the bride and groom have one of His and Her shoes. As questions are asked, they raise a His or Her shoe to answer the questions. Example: “Who will cook most of the meals?” Emily raises Chao’s shoe and he raises the bride’s shoe!  “Who initiated their first kiss?”  Emily raises her own shoe; the groom raises his shoe!

TWO CHURCH WARD CHRISTMAS PARTIES

Elder and Sister McCollum join their son, his wife and boys to attend their Laie 7th ward evening Christmas picnic held out at a popular Zip-Line Tourist Attraction. The grandparents and the boys play some games while they watch R&K on one of Zip Lines.  The potluck meal is served under “Easy Corner Shelters” – a good idea because of course there is a short but heavy evening shower.

Laie Third Married Student Ward holds a more traditional Christmas party at the campus stake centre.  Grandpa practices at home playing the role of Santa with Samuel and Henry.

Samuel is invited to play the role of a shepherd in the nativity presentation. (His face is turned to the camera.)  The role of baby Jesus is played by a 2 week old infant, Joseph, a young father from mainland USA and Mary a new young mother is from the Philippines; both students at BYUH.

After the party, Robb, Kimberly, Samuel and Henry walk home.  They check out decorated homes along the streets and view the decorations and trees in the Temple Visitor Centre. Robb has a photo opportunity of Kimberly, Samuel and Henry with the temple grounds and lights in the background.

CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS MORNING – Laie, Hawaii

Along Kulanui Lane, a few of the neighbours and some of their guests wearing swim-wear and carrying towels, head toward Temple Beach.  It’s a beach day! Samuel and Henry enjoy a backyard sprinkle from the hose while their parents prepare for the Christmas Celebrations.

 

Christmas eve – backyard           and                          Opening gifts on Christmas Morning

 

MISSIONARY SERVICE at the Polynesian Cultural Centre Continues……

Elder and Sister Crookston enjoy the roles of Mr & Mrs Claus at the PCC.  All Sundays, December 25 and  Thanksgiving Day are the only times that the PCC is closed.

THREE LUAUS for SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2015

Elder and Sister McCollum receive the email notice: Guidelines for senior missionary service at the PCC food venues. “All venues open at 4:45 pm.   Ticket takers should REPORT DIRECTLY to your  post by 4:30P.M.    The Walk-Abouts will bring the clickers/counters.  Put away your Cell Phones.  No books, paperwork, handwork or tablets.  Please stay at your posts until 6:20. Mahalo.  Enjoy the evening !”                  WALK ABOUTS:NIELSEN: REED 435-757-7741 & NINA 435-757-7791 

Prime Dining, Island Buffet, Aloha Luau, Kuai Luau, Ohana Luau:                                                             I                                                                                            Aloha Luau Exit             McCollum  808-366-0056      

E L D E R  &  S I S T E R  MC C O L L U M  FA M I L Y  P H O T O S – December 2015

 

 

C O N C L U S I O N of  2015 S & J MC COLLUM Mission BLOG – 2016 Blog will follow.

Senior Missionaries serving in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission ARE allowed to walk on sandy beaches, unlike the young full time missionaries!