Dec. 29, 2007 - Enjoying our holidays!
Even though we are thousands of miles from family and friends we had a good Christmas. We tried to keep the traditions we could. We were able to fix our favorite Christmas goodies with a substitute ingredient (can't find graham crackers). The Hello Dollys and Peanut butter Balls turned out good (we are excited, this week we found a store to buy peanut butter).
We went on our traditional outing --looking at Christmas lights, Christmas Eve. The families here do not decorate like in the States, but businesses do. We had wanted to see them at night so we all piled in the car and headed to '"The Hanger" convention center to see their interesting tree. When we were taking pictures of the large tree out front, we noticed a small tree on the side of the building (we rarely drive by this side of the building). As we drove over to take pictures of the tree we discovered a large nativity display. As we were turning around to go park and take pictures we realized we were in the front of a line of cars that where parking to get pictures. This was a neat surprise.
Earlier, before we left the house the kids had opened their traditional one gift (we knew Joshua may be asleep before we got back home). Upon returning home we watched Rebekah's new movie, Ratatouille. The girls were off to bed around 11:00
But no sleeping in Christmas morn. Rachel woke everyone up before 6:00. We had fun opening the gifts. Rachel was very surprised to get her new digital camera (purchased last July),Rebekah had chosen to get a bike with her Christmas money from Mammaw and Aunt Carolyn, but she was surprised to receive the new Barlow Girl CD (purchased last July), Sarah had helped pick out most of her gifts but she was surprised to get the baby doll stroller to go with her new doll. Joshua got a new set of tools and work table--oh the things he will want to fix. Abigail got her first baby doll and several rattles and teething toys. Joel will be driving our lawn guy crazy with all his new lawn tools. Charlotte received her first Brazilian tea pot and cup and a wall clock to match.
After opening our gifts we had to get ready for the other four missionary families to arrive for brunch. We were happy to have our new mission family come to celebrate with us. After eating too much, Paul (fellow IMB missionary) got out his computer and projector and we sang Christmas carols (the words were projected on the wall). We sang verses that some of us never knew exsisted. We were also introduced to a couple of songs written in the 1700 or 1800s. Then the guys and teenagers pulled out the cards.
We had a wonderful day! We are looking forward to making new traditions here in our new home!!
