We had a lovely Christmas in South Africa! We had no expectations for the holiday, but, we found it to be lovely! On Christmas Eve, we had our ministry contacts over for dinner along with a missionary couple that just moved here from the states. We had chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a South African squash dish. For dessert, we ate the Christmas cookies we baked!
Right before dinner, we got a call that there was a donation of food that needed to be collected. It was a HUGE truckload of food. We had to unload it, sort it, and then, refrigerate what needed to stay cool. On Christmas Day we were able to divide up the food and give it away to families in need. It was awesome. And, a great way to spend our Christmas!
Since Christmas was on a Sunday this year, we were able to experience a South African church service! It was actually quite similar to church in the states. It was to get out of the house and experience life in South Africa.
Later that same day, a girl on our team, Amanda felt called to shave off her hair in honor of a little girl who is an orphan in Mexico, named Alondra. She is currently going thru cancer treatments and had been on Amanda’s heart. To show her honor, Amanda shaved her head!
It was quite a day for us World Racers. Though it was busy, our families where on our hearts and minds that day. We were wondering what everyone was doing and how they were celebrating the day of our Lord’s birth!
Life here has been really good. We get pretty dirty each day digging in the rich, red African soil! We have been weeding, digging, raking, getting the goats fresh water, cutting down trees, and cleaning the BEAM house.
We are celebrating this month so much! Lately, I have felt so blessed. We have hot water, plenty of food (fruits and veggies!), beds to sleep in, electricity, and amazing hosts who love us always and have welcomed us into their home. I also feel blessed because my job this year is to just serve. That is all I have to do–serve!
Our sister in law, Jenn, thought of this awesome idea to let us feel like we are there celebrating with in Michigan for Christmas. It is her first Christmas in our family (she just celebrated 6 months of marriage to Jamos' little brother, Jeret- hence the 1st christmas on the top of the sign. Either way, it was a HUGE BLESSING today when we saw what was done in our honor. THANKS JENN! 🙂
