Merry Christmas from Africa! Last year, I was in a cabin in the mountains, enjoying more snow than we could handle and an abundance of family. This year, I am spending Christmas in the African heat with my Tambo sisters and squad leaders along with my Rwandan family. Today is a day mixed with sadness over missing my family and home, and joy over where God has brought me on this day. Over the past few days, I have enjoyed preparing for Christmas in a new way.
On Friday, I preached on a radio station about the obedience of Mary and Joseph and how I was hesitant when the Lord called in my life many times as these biblical examples were, but see the joy in the final obedience. That night, we spent our evening (until about 3 a.m.) preaching and praying with churches as they did all-night worship. What a great way to start Christmas Eve. That same night, I even shared briefly with some motorcycle taxi drivers and found out the next day that at least one had really taken it to heart.
Christmas Eve certainly didn’t feel very Christmasy. We don’t have a tree or decorations and we haven’t been out buying gifts or sitting on Santa’s lap. We did, however, go to the airport where we get our internet. There was a Christmas tree, banners, and with flavored coffees and skype calls, it felt like a real holiday to us. That afternoon we went to an incredible kids Christmas program at church where they danced and sang for hours. In true African fashion, we were served a huge plate of food, glass bottled soda, and a lollipop! We performed a skit for them and out of nowhere, Pastor Ettian called me up to RAP! WHAT?!?! You can’t say no to these things, so I delivered. So, while you were finishing your Christmas shopping and wrapping, baking cookies, and watching Elf; I was rapping, “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in a church in Rwanda.
It was a blast, and I then preached one last Christmas sermon for an evening service. As we settled in last night, it was hard to believe still that today was the “big day”. We woke up this morning to Santa’s many surprises. There were World Race style gifts all around- toilet paper and goodies in each of our shoes lined up in the hall and sweet notes, gifts, and OF COURSE peanut butter from teammates. Looks like we didn’t need a chimney after all. After our delicious traditional Christmas breakfast of hotdog buns and bananas, we were off to 4 hours of church where we celebrated the way we should. What a joy to see true praise of our king on the day of his birth! This has been both challenging and wonderful. Since we already did the big casserole Christmas in Kenya a couple of weeks ago, we opted for an American Christmas at the airport to skype our families, eat burgers, and take it easy. At least we will be watching a Christmas movie and doing a, here’s what I dug out of my pack, white elephant gift exchange later!
“I am the Lord’s servant.” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” – Luke 1:38
