Christmas Update

Merry Christmas to all of you. Going to combine several days here because in those days I had an opportunity to experience Christmas in very different but loving ways. Friday about 10 minutes after clinic closing time a mom showed up with her little boy who had cut his leg and doctor wouldn't see. I was pretty frustrated since he didn't start 9 am clinic until 9:50. Put my backpack up and washed little boy's leg. He probably could have used stitches but wound was a day or two old so just put ointment and bandage on it. Mom was so grateful and just kept thanking me. What she didn't know was that she was a gift to me. Later that day got all of my little goodies out and filled bags for people in the house. Guermanie came in to help and was so excited and kept giving me more names to make bags for. The kids eyes just lit up when they saw all the bags. Even some of the adults excited about the bags. So refreshing to see excitement about so little. Friday night received a gift of a roll and some lunch meat. Now I know that doesn't sound like much but I have been craving a sandwich with miracle whip. Now the roll was stale and no miracle whip but it was a feast for me even though had to brush a few ants off my bread. Christmas music on my ipod before bed thanks to my grandson Tyler. Saturday morning the house really started filling up with people. Madam Jackson closed my door so not sure if she didn't want me to be bothered or was being excluded but have decided I am just going to make the best of this day. Guemanie took all the bags downstairs and passed them out. During the day all the kids came up to thank me. Just love the children. Wol spent a lot of time with me today which was nice. I made a decision not to go to Christmas Eve service as really felt need for familiar today so decided to listen to Christmas music and read Christmas story in Luke. Later in the evening Guermanie brought a little girl to my room and told me she was a friend and "no kado", no gift. We scrounged around and she got candy, bracelets and a balloon. This morning I woke up around 2:30 am and could hear preaching, drums, bells (like cow bells) and trumpets. Christmas eve service. Oh my! Around 5 voices and same instruments outside of house. Very different traditions. Again this morning staying home and enjoying my own traditions with music and devotion. Looking outside hard to tell it's Christmas as we know it. No children outside playing with new toys and adults going about usual business of selling goods at their homes and working on building projects. So today I am thankful for a wonderful friend who talks to me every day, for sweet babies who are growing stronger and all of the little opportunities I am given to make a difference in someone's life. There really is so much to be thankful for. Joyfully,

Barbara