Christmas musings

Well, as we only have one half day left of school until Christmas break, I'm finally thinking: "Hey, it's almost Christmas." It's been such an exhausting five months. I think that since the seasons down here pretty much remain the same, I've not really "caught the spirit" yet. Christmas lights are everywhere, people are shopping for gifts, the students are bringing the "Favorite Teacher" ornaments, but I'm just now thinking, "Huh...so this is Christmas..."

What's Christmas like for most folks in Honduras? Well, we're discovering that at all Christmas parties (which begin like at 6:00) dinner is usually served at 9:30 or 10:30. Last night, we enjoyed a little fiesta with some of Colin's colleagues. It was delightful to hang with Hondurans and gringos. It's customary to have a huge Christmas village setup somewhere in the house. Baby Jesus usually is not present in the scene until Christmas Eve at midnight. All trees are artificial. There are no real trees in Honduras for sale because of the deforestation laws. Much of the decor is flashy, like Christmas in the States. There are no yards to admire. All the yards are behind walls. But, windows can be seen above the walls, decorated with all kinds of lights.

What am I missing about Christmas right now? Good question. I'm missing wearing sweaters, sitting in front of someone's fireplace drinking hot cocoa, hearing good Christmas music, driving through neighborhoods seeing the Christmas fanfare, watching Christmas movies (yep, I left those in storage with my Christmas stuff at home), and getting excited about sharing gifts with the family.

Our church hosted a little Christmas concert this past Sunday. It was a lovely (and short) affair. The kids put on a play about what they have been studying in Sunday school on the Voice of the Martyrs. Then, Colin and I sang our favorite Christmas hymn, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," and then the choir took over with a few robust numbers. It was quaint, and had a little bit of homey-ness to it. But that's another thing I'm missing--Christmas hymns. Gotta get to singing some more of those around the house.

I've posted some pics of our school's Christmas party. It was a nice dinner at the Marriott hotel, complete with some crazy Latin dancing (which of course I really got into) at the end. Then, Colin treated me to a stay there to celebrate our six-year anniversary. It was lovely! And I'm so glad to be married to this handsome husband of mine (sorry for the chummy romance...)!

Jennie and Eric, our close friends and neighbors

Mollie--the students think we're sisters. So we have the ongoing joke that we're "gemelas" (twins)

La gringas de Escuela Americana

My wonderful Honduran peers--these ladies join me in teaching middle school. Maurici, our aerobics instructor, is the second from the left (red lipstick)

Colin serenading Mike with his pork chop.

Iris on the dance floor--she's amazing! I was trying to keep up...and cracking up the crowd, of course.

Alejandra and Raquel, my partner teachers and friends