Craig actually got to celebrate his birthday (July 2nd) for four days! On Saturday, July 1st, we had a branch party at the river. Elder Hadley and President Dickson also just had birthdays, so it was a triple birthday celebration with a chocolate cake! Then on Sunday, July 2nd, (his actual birthday) we were quite busy doing church things and so I felt I didn't have time to make a cake and/or cookies. So guess what? My wonderful husband made his own chocolate chip cookies and they turned out absolutely wonderful!--which is an incredible thing as cooking is entirely different here in Malaysia. We shared the cookies with the young people in a class we taught that evening. (So typical of Craig with his kind, giving nature. I, of course, had to be convinced that we should share the cookies! But I felt good afterwards...it is always better to give than to receive!) Then on July 3rd (which was actually July 2nd in our home state of Utah), Craig received several contacts from our kids and grandkids wishing him a Happy Birthday (even though by our Malaysian time they were a day late!) And finally, the birthday cake was made and we celebrated with the young Elders and Sisters at their District Meeting on Tuesday, July 4th. So I guess it was actually a late birthday/4th of July celebration all rolled into one! (Way to multi-task, Julie--giving myself a nice pat on the back!)
This picture is of President Dickson, Matang Branch President at the branch activity.
More pictures of the branch members (and a few friends) at the activity.
BBQ cooked right over the coals by the side of the river.
The Malaysians LOVE their BBQ food! Note: I brought watermelon and pineapple so that we could be sure to have something familiar to eat at the BBQ.