Christmas Greetings from Lalee Paksuniemi: Be blessed!

Lalee and Marko Paksuniemi

Lalee is originally from the Philippines and was raised in a christian home. Lalee is the eldest child in the family and she has two brothers.

- My parents have been heavily involved in the ministerial work since they got married which has also given me and my brothers the opportunity to be part of the work in many years. It is our parents who taught us to honor God by “giving” and “sharing” back the blessings and talents He gave us to the people and most especially to the less fortunates. 

Family is pretty much involved at church and in the mission fields. Whole family reaches out to the needy through feeding, clothing and educational programs. 

- And when calamities strike, we are also around for the victims. It is also through the mission work that we were able to share the gospel to the people. I could still recall the time among the many struggles, when life was hard. I was so young back then and so were my brothers. After school, we would make donuts with my mom to sell it to our neighbors so we could also help them - our parents - in making ends meet for the mission work. 

Life – All about living by Faith 

Financial struggle was inevitable but God has always been faithful hence through the years, family kept the mission work alive. 

- My lifelong experience in the ministry with my parents and brothers has truly impacted mine and my siblings' life in a tremendous way. The very words that my parents taught me is that, even when we feel needy ourselves should never be a hindrance to help others cause God will surely be with us every step of the way as long as we exercise to live by faith and not by sight. Surely, I am a witness of God's goodness and faithfulness in His'calling. 

God placed to the hands of Lalee’s parents and she believes that He will remain the same as the calling will be handed down through generations.

- Moreover, I also met Marko, now my husband through the mission work in the Philippines. He took part in the feeding programs in the slum areas. He told the story about Goliath and David to the kids. For him, it was an eye opener, a vessel to help and tell people about Christ. From that time onward, the passion in the mission work will always be in his heart and to our family here in Finland. 

As parents to Lalee and Marko’s three wonderful kids - Angela, Christine, Mikael - and likewise as grandparents to their lovely grandson CJ, they make sure that they will have a yearly exposure in the mission work in the Philippines aside from visiting family, relatives and friends during the vacation time. 

- Apart from their yearly exposure - except this year 2020 due to the global pandemic, we are also teaching our kids to bless the less fortunate kids in the Philippines through filling a big “balikbayan box” with their used or unused clothings and toys and sending them to the my country every year at Christmas holidays. We believe, that even we live far, the chances of spreading God's love and kindness to people is unlimited  and even though our own little ways, it surely goes a long way.

Multicultural Family Togetherness

Family Paksuniemi

Speaking more about Lalee’s own family here in Finland. 

- We are pretty much a multicultural family knowing that I am an Asian and Marko is a European, though “a great challenge” but it also a great opportunity for us to learn new things from each other. We us parents,  Just like other families, “family togetherness” is vital. We strive hard to make time or do something together as a family. We love being in the outdoors as we appreciate the nature in Finland so much and if the weather won´t permit us, we still enjoy doing something together indoors. 

Moreover, as parents, Lalee and Marko support their children in their God given talents and skills. 

- Like isi Marko, my second child, Christine (4 years old) has a gift in drawing, and as for our youngest 10-months-old loves to mimic when mommy is singing. Though it's still quite too early to tell what they are going to become in the future but in our hearts, it is our prayer that whatever they do, they do what pleases God.

As parents, it is also Lalee and Marko’s hearts desire that their children will be raised in a Godly way. 

- We believe that it is the best legacy we can share and contribute to our kids and generations to come. And above all, that in our family, God is the center, the first and foremost.

Christmas Traditions

The advent season is not popularly celebrated in the Philippines.

- We have our very own special Christmas – coming preparation and celebrations in our churches before the Christmas eve. Here in Finland, we take part of  the advent season by putting and lighting up candles and attending church services.

Either way, regardless the differences, celebrations and preparations prior to the Christmas day are important because this is a great way for the people to stay centered and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Here in Finland, the month of November might be too early to put up a Christmas decoration.

- But in contrary, in the Philippines, November might be too late to start the Christmas season because we celebrate Christmas the longest. It starts from September 1 and ends in the 4th week of January. 

From setting up the colorful Christmas lights and decorations and playing the yuletide songs as early in September either in homes or in public places, the other practices that are common at Christmas season also include caroling, indulging in Christmas food, going out to dinner with family, visiting friends and relatives, and attending church services. Christmas Eve or also called “Noche Buena” is very important in the Philippines. Most of the filipinos stay awake all night into Christmas day. At Christmas eve, christians attend Christmas eve church services and  followed by a lavish feast and exchanging of gifts. Likewise, family games is present as part  of the Christmas to be joyfully enjoyed by the members of the family.

First Global Corona Christmas

- Since the COVID-19 erupted, the world has been facing many challenges and so is my family. We miss traveling and it would be so great if we could spend Christmas time with our family, relatives and friends in the Philippines as they are also eager to see our youngest child. Thankfully, we have social medias that enables us to communicate with them amid pandemic.

Lalee wishes to remind Rovaniemi parish members in this yuletide season of John 3:16: ”For God so loved the world that He gave His ONE AND ONLY Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have an eternal life.”

- Be assured that Jesus Christ is here with us! He is here to give us hope, save us from despair, to forgive our sins, to heal and  give us fresh beginning... HE is our peace and restorer of joy if we only let Him.