Christmas in Seronga was pretty dang cool and here’s a little glimpse of how we celebrated…
Festivities started in mid December when we went to chop down our Christmas tree!
At children’s ministry, we celebrated by face painting, nail painting, games, treats, and lots of fun things!!! In November, we got the privilege to teach the kids about Jesus for the FIRST time in their lives… so this Christmas, they actually knew why there was a holiday/what we were celebrating- SO COOL!!!!! 
Because there are no stores nearby, we all got to hand make Christmas gifts for each other! My secret santa, Lillabea, made me a journal from scratch and gave me handmade jewelry using sea glass she collected from Haiti. AMAZING!!! Tons of girls made gifts for everyone and our Christmas cross was chalked full of presents!
The family we are staying with doesn’t normally go “all out” celebrating Christmas. They have nice meals, give a few gifts to each other on Christmas Eve, and have a fairly quiet Christmas. We joined them in some really delicious food, treats, and laughter.
As we were making gifts for each other, Lucie started brainstorming what our teams could give to Ma Willie (our host). God gave her the incentive to build a bench. Lucie and I sat down and made a bench using wood we found in the workshop. We wrote out a letter, prayer, and poem to go along with it. When we gave the bench to Ma Willie, we were able to read those things over her. It was one of my favorite moments on the race, giving a faithful servant a place where she can rest and be renewed in God’s strength. 
Christmas in Botswana was one of the most meaningful, Christ-centered Christmases I have ever celebrated. I am eternally grateful I was able to celebrate with these daughters of God in Seronga.
