How incredibly blessed I was. My family this month was extended by 8 “tias y tios” and 28 amazing kids.
Christmas in El Salvador was different, Christmas music was in Spanish and had different tunes (when we heard it). Instead of going to sleep early so Santa could come, we all stayed up till 1 almost 2am. And instead of the 25th being the big day for presents it was the 24th. Jesus’s birthday was truly the focus.
There was a lot of America in this Christmas too. Orange Julius Pancakes with cheesy eggs and bacon was our special breakfast. I spent almost all day in the kitchen cooking the turkey, stuffing, and gravy for 40-something people.
The kids had two reactions to the presents. The boys opened theirs before dinner and it was a mad-house of excitement and flying paper.
The girls did it differently. Opening theirs after dinner, they had two people announcing who the gift was for (in silly and playful ways), then everyone would cheer as the person would get the gift, go in the middle of the circle and open it. The girls would cheer again for whatever the gift turned out to be.
What a beautiful picture of the body of Christ. Everyone celebrating the person and then celebrating their gift. There was no jealousy, no tug of war, no pouting. Just pure unadulterated joy.
It definitely showed a picture of what Jesus was born to bring to earth.
After presents we cleaned up and played for a few hours before the fireworks started going off.
I love how loudly the Salvadorans celebrate. They don’t stay silent but rather scream with the fireworks as they run around finding the best view.
Once again, I feel Jesus saying this is how we should celebrate Him! Screaming to the rooftops all He has done. No fear, no hesitation, no limit to our volume except our own vocal capabilities.
My team and I still celebrated Christmas on the 25th by waking up to stockings and presents on the dresser with Christmas lights (though we slept in a little as we didn’t get to bed until almost 2am), talking to family on FaceTime, and exchanging Secret Santa gifts under the trees at the mall.
It was special and beautiful and more than I ever could have asked for in a holiday.
Thank you for all of you who helped make it possible for me to be here. Your prayers and generous donations are much appreciated!
I love you all and Merry Christmas!
