I just found out today that it is December 16! How is it possible that we are only 9 days away from Christmas. It certainly does not feel like the Christmas I am used to back home.
Missing family and loved ones for the most part and all the traditions that Christmas brings. From the smell of a pine tree to smells from the kitchen, to snow covered ground. There are certainly things I miss back home this season. Decorating a Christmas tree, baking cookies and cupcakes, tobogganning, sipping tea and coffee with my family and simply being around everyone I love. I know those things and people don't make Christmas in it's true identity. It is simply a different Christmas than what I am used to it looking.
My team and family here has started already to attempt to make it look like Christmas here and this is what we have so far.
Christmas tree: Check – Even if it looks like a similiar version to the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. In fact we have actual peanuts on a string as ornaments. As well as bottle caps, random paper ornaments and a neon highlighted paper star.
Nativity scene: Not check – However it is in the making and may require some imagination to clarify what each item actually is. Or maybe we will each try to dress up as a character and tell the story.
Christmas movies: Check – From A Christmas Story, to Elf, to the original Grinch who Stole Christmas we have a few to keep us going. However I am missing Yogi Bear's First Christmas.
Christmas present: Check – However not the focus of the true meaning of Christmas, but I was blessed to have my best friend Benjamin and his sister Elaine give me a wrapped present. A present I have been carrying around the past couple of months that I will soon be able to open Christmas morning. As well as team Siloam has drawn names for a secret Santa….which will require us to make something. Which to be honest I am excited to bless my person with some handmade gems.
That is the extent of Christmas here so far. With merryiness in our hearts and songs of Christmas carols on our mouth we are finding Christmas this year by sharing Christ to all and to all the goodness of His name. If you would like to share Christ with the world, but find you are somewhat limited to reach places where I am. You are more than welcomed to donate and support me in this cause. So you can help change the world!
