Christmasy Things

Hello Friends--

If you read my blog from last year, I mentioned that I've been covering for a 4th grade teacher who is sick. She's still too sick to be a school, but thankfully she's out of the hospital. That dengue stuff is no joke. Pray for her, she's been sick eight days now.  Well, tonight is the elementary Christmas program, so I am not only subbing during the school day but also I'm with 4th grade for tonight's performance. Students are to be back by 5:30 which didn't leave me enough time to go home and return after school.  I'm taking the extra time as an opportunity to get this blog written. It is Tuesday, after all; my blog day.  It's rather nice being able to type this on the desktop here at school with my 'Christmas Playlist' on YouTube playing in the background.  My iPad typing skills just aren't this fast yet; nor do I know how to multitask with it that way.

Its starting to feel a bit more Christmasy around here. Sunday my church had a special Christmas service and lunch afterwards. I always love a chance to experience a new part of this culture.  Rice, stemmed veggies, chicken, and pork aren't what I consider a typical Christmas dinner.  I didn't even have to ask what type of meat the pork was--the pig's head with the apple stuck in it were sitting front and center on the serving platter.  As a appetizer, while we were waiting for the food, we are grapes; something I haven't had for a very loooonnnnggg time.  Grapes and apples are typical Christmas foods here.  Since they are so expensive to buy in the DR these fruits are usually save for special occasions such as Christmas.

Last night my Bible study group went Christmas caroling around to homes of various staff members. It was such a fun time for all of us. Several times we had the Dominican neighbors of the staff member come out to listen to us.  At one point we even had two different strangers videoing/taking pictures of us. One staff member we visited sent out an email today thanking us and shared that a visiting, unsaved relative was impressed. What a fun way to be a testimony to the real meaning of Christmas.

I have 3 1/2 days before heading back to the States for Christmas.  It's really strange to think that I'm going to be back in the States.  I haven't been there since May!  What will it be like? Culture shock-maybe, cold-definitely.  Strange, confusing, welcoming, joyful--I don't really know.  Probably a bit of everything.  Can't wait to see everyone :)


Here's one last thing before I finish---the staff at school got together and planned a "What doe the fox say?" flashmob for the students.  You can check out the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deBRKsqmzOE.  I'm on the very end on right,  I'm cut out of the frame until towards the end when we start to circle up. 

Happy Tuesday and Feliz Navidad!!!