almost missionaries: Christmas in Haiti

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

Well, maybe a mouse, but let’s pretend they are not here!

Christmas in Haiti this year was a time to reflect on the true meaning of the Holiday. Not just because we were in a foreign land at all, but because the normal hustle and bustle and traditions that we are used to were not going to happen this year. No last minute shopping, no cookie exchanges or tacky Christmas sweater parties, no family gatherings, not even the traditional Christmas Eve service. All good things and all missed, however, I truly believe that those things were replaced with other great memories this year.

Last minute shopping: Jen and Addyx, with the seven girls that live on site, went to the market. Not the super market, but the open-air tent market. We were in search of food needed for holiday parties and new shoes for church and some upcoming weddings. It was no Target or Walmart, but it was just as overwhelming!

Cookie exchange: The team that was here the week before Christmas brought Gingerbread houses for each house of kids to do and cookies to decorate. There was no exchanging, but they were tasty!

Tacky sweater party: Oh, how I wish I would have snapped a photo, but I did see what would have been the greatest tacky dress for a Christmas party at a roadside stand for sale. It was shiny and sparkly, red and green and all sorts of fun!

Family gatherings: Christmas Eve we had a campus party with all the kids to celebrate Christmas. We sang (not my family) but others certainly did! There was dancing, story telling, gift giving and we ended the night with some fireworks. Also we squeezed in Face Time dates with our Texas family and our Florida family. The pastor of our church in Haiti and his family invited us over to dinner on Christmas day. We were so blessed by the time at their home. They didn't expect anything from us and just loved on our children and us. Our kids were even each blessed with a gift that night; a racecar, bow and arrow, and a dollhouse kitchen set.

Christmas Eve service: After the festivities at the Children’s Village were over we came home and got our kiddos to bed. Relaxed, talked and listen to some music. We thought about a song we sing every Christmas Eve, but couldn't think of the name. Thankfully when we reached out to our Pastor back home he responded and we immediately downloaded it and it was on repeat for while. We sat and stared at the tree, in the peaceful quietness soaked in the words to the song and realized how much we are loved. Once we got our second wind, we played Santa and made sure the stockings were hung with care.

Christmas morning was joyful! I heard the two older kids wake up and I jumped up, but it was dark and I was tired. Then I stopped and heard a sound, it was Major's iPad, he turned a movie on in their room and they stayed in bed until the sun came up...WHAT!!! Christmas morning found us up at 5:45 and the squeals of joy began, and so did the coffee. After the gifts were shared and all things opened we had breakfast and enjoyed the moment of no rush to go or do anything. After breakfast we headed outside to try out the new scooter and skateboard. We then decided to see what the older boys that live on site with us were up to. I think we were more excited to give them their presents. We sat everything out under our gallery upstairs and called them up. They each enjoyed opening their gifts and assembling their new skateboard. Later that afternoon we had lunch and Beckett and I enjoyed a great holiday nap. Then that evening we headed out to our pastors house to spend dinner with them and some other local missionaries.

We were told that since we would be somewhere new for Christmas this year to try to start a new tradition, do something that would be familiar to the years past. One thing we did that I love was the gingerbread Nativity Set. We started it a few days before Christmas; we built the stable and decorated it and the animals, the next day we did Joseph, Mary and the Angel and then Christmas day we did Jesus and the wise men. It was fun and we had great conversation about why we celebrate Christmas. Although, my kids know the reason for the season they still love to receive gifts, the anticipation and the surprise! And Sean and I love to see them receive their gifts, oh the joy they have, and the joy we get in seeing them. What the Lord must think and feel when we rejoice in the blessings and the gifts He has given us!

I pray that no matter our circumstances, everyone found joy this Christmas season and celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!