Christmas Service...

Today was a full day...we went to church in the morning for our Christmas service and after church we had a potluck lunch (Sandy was told to bring a main course dish which she did but decided to bake a pan of brownies just as something extra...turns out she was the only one that brought dessert so that pan of brownies disappeared pretty quickly...). After church she made a couple of more pies and then off we went to join the youth for a progressive supper/Christmas caroling evening. We went to several homes to sing and eat some food (tamales at one stop...very yummy) and then finished off here at our home in the evening for some games and pie. The kids loved hanging out all evening with the youth and especially liked the gift exchange game!

(Playing some games at the different houses we stopped in to carol...)

(Oscar giving us the "who me?" look...)

(Jenny and Evelynne, two special friends of ours...)

First thing this morning I went over to our neighbour's homes to confirm that they were coming to church with us...they said they would show up and...they didn't...which made us quite sad. But the Lord reminded us that this is in his hands and that the H.S. is at work in their hearts...it is not our job to "win" them to the Lord, just to be faithful in walking this journey with them as much as we are able. Thanks for your prayers on their behalf.

Tomorrow, the 24th, we are out for lunch with the pastor couple, Walter and Chepina and their children and then in the evening we are going out for supper to Saul and Oralia's home. Looks to be a fun, but full day! The kids are pumped about seeing our previous dog, Roxie, one more time out at the farm at Saul's house.

We are in our last week of living here and this morning during the church service we were thanked many times, both formally during the service and informally by many individuals. They brought us to the front of the church to pray for us and wish us God's blessing...just as they did on the first Sunday we were here nearly 5 months ago. It was an emotional morning for us and yet a beautiful one as well...all because of God blessing us with so many friends!

Off to bed to get some rest...

Gerald