December: Part Tupela

So of course it's difficult on all missionaries to be away from family on Christmas. To compensate for the sad times we might otherwise feel, we apparently plan LOTS of activities. The last few weeks have been FULL of festivities. At Lapilo there was a Christmas bazaar, choir concerts, and of course a Christmas Eve service complete with Pageant! Oh yes, it was the cutest thing ever.
Here at ITF we had a staff party, where we all got together to eat, drink hot cider, eat some more, play a couple of games, and watch the kids receive their stockings. Oh, and we had a story time too.My friend Heather came out to spend the week of Christmas (and her Birthday!) with us. We attended a "Carol Sing" at the ITF director's house. We all sat around the piano and sang carols, and ate more food and drank more cider. (do you see a theme here?!)
The next day, we (with Beth, Fred, and the Germans) made & decorated cookies, and then delivered them to all of the staff families - and did some caroling while we were at it.
On Christmas morning we had breakfast together and then opened gifts - from each other, plus we 'd saved all the gifts we'd gotten from home in care packages and opened those together.

Boys sporting some of their new gear

Sunglasses & bracelet from mom. Buried in all the wrapping paper :)

In the evening we (single people) had a feast over at the Mixter's house - salad, rolls, ham, chicken, potatoes & green bean casserole. Plus birthday cake & cherry pie. After dinner we watched "A Muppet Christmas Carol" and just hung out together. Again, I was thankful that God provides not only a Savior, but also friends & family to encourage us when we need it. I am often overwhelmed that the God of the Universe who has already given us so much, cares about the little details of our lives. I pray that you all had a blessed Christmas!

And as for the last week - we have been very very very busy preparing for our first Interface program of the year! Woo hooo! I absolutely cannot wait for the students to get here and to watch God work!

Oh, and just a cute side note. Today I had a bunch of the kids from the village come to my door and ask if they can color. I've been bringing crayons and coloring books to the village when I go up and coloring with any kids that are around. I must have gotten a reputation! After they colored a couple of pictures they called out for me to come see their work. I now have some beautiful art decorating my fridge!

~ Nicky

"If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary."