Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Giving of Christmas gifts has been interesting so far. First of all, there is no such thing as Christmas wrapping paper. Gifts in a plastic bag are great. Gifts in a zip lock bag are even better or maybe you can utilize an old rice bag.

Grace made banana loaf which was used as gifts for Orest's staff. The one fellow was so happy and grateful he had to take it home immediately to show to his wife. You would not think it such a big deal, but people were excited about receiving blankets. That was a common gift we gave this year. That is what is in the rice bags.

Grace also completed seven more quilts which were given to the evangelist this morning for him to distribute to needy families. He had been given a total of 15 to distribute. She will continue this project in the future.

This morning Santa Grace hoped on her bike and distributed some gifts.

Christmas eve there is a service at the local church. There will be a local group recording a CD - The Ebenizer Group. Our hope is to attend. We were told that the Christmas Sunday service typically goes for 3 hours. 3 hours on benches made out of metal channels - I am so excited.

Here is a brief look at our Christmas decorations. We had purchased a Walmart post Christmas, Christmas tree, complete with lights and a wreath for $14.00. It survived the trip and we are quite pleased. We made up some paper ornaments, using water colors, and hung them from the tree. We are quite pleased with the results.

For unto us a Child is born....

Keep the spirit of the season.

Blessings to all.

Christmas Shopping

What a blast it is to go to the local mall just before the holiday. Today was actually payday for the hospital staff because this was the last market day (Wednesday) before Christmas. We needed a few gifts for staff and others so we headed to market. The place was jammed with people and it was very difficult to find a parking spot. It is certainly a lot easier if you have a moto or a camel.

Like a typical mall you can find clothing, jewelley, spices, shoes, perfume and the like. There is the local butchers, fish mongers and fast food outlets - make sure your stomach is ready.

Here are some pics

Masa Tsaye

Just wanted to post some of the pictures from our recent trip to the Love and Respect Conference at Maza Tsaye. It was a great conference and we would definetly recommend it to anyone.

Green Invaders

Found this guy in our garden the other day. They seem to be particularily fond of the Okra plants. Have seen several this year.

December 1, 2011

Wow, the temperature dropped all the way to 19 degrees this morning. Was it cold, ask Grace, but first you would have to find her beneath all the layers of clothing she was wearing. Way too funny. The girl was literally a Friesen, sorry freezing. Next we are gonna have to find some gloves for this girl. At least it’s going to the high thirties later in the day.

So, one day we have a couple of short term missionaries over for a meal. Just as we were into the meal Sara and Sani stopped by for a visit. They joined us for the meal. They had brought along a sack of Meringue branches which is used a lot like spinach. After the meal we sat around the coffee table and stripped the leaves off the branches. After the leaves are cooked and then mixed with some onion, garlic, salt and peanut butter, ends up making a very delicious salad: more good African food. After this the girls tried carrying things on their heads African style. Sara makes it look so easy.