I am from the suburbs of Seattle so I am used to it being somewhere between 30-50 degrees (as a high) around Christmas. Last year, we had snow on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. There is usually frost on the windows in the morning at home. We usually have 20-30 people at the family gatherings on both Christmas Eve night (with a white elephant exchange) and Christmas Day dinner. My cousins, their kids, aunts, uncles, grandpa, parents, brother, my sister-in-law, and some family friends are usually at both evening events. I send my love to all especially to Grandpa and the kids: Tristen, Izzy, Gabby, Little Ricky, and Bradie. We always have a great time together so I will definitely miss them. There will not be quite as many pictures without me there.
We are living in our jungle farmhouse with temperatures around 80 degrees (as a high). We have palm and plantain trees surrounding us. We also have the occasional toucan come by to visit or the monkeys growling in the distance of the property. The closest house is about a mile away. We have cows that need to be milked daily. The biggest news around here is about the livestock. So this is a major change for me.
We also have not yet decorated for Christmas. We have been so busy preparing the fields and for the parties. We had talked about cutting down a Christmas tree but have not done so yet. I am not sure if we will still cut down the tree since today is Christmas Eve.
So what do we have planned? Our teams are each having their own Secret Santa exchange today (on Christmas Eve). We will also have a white elephant exchange with both teams combined (on Christmas Day). We may also have a bonfire together one of those two days.
I will miss seeing and spending time with all of my family, relatives, and friends at Christmas!!! Although this is not what my past Christmases have looked like, I have a peace about it. I know I am where God has called me to be and I am doing His will. Thank you all for your love and support! I greatly appreciate it and all of you!
