'A true' Christmas Mali-style

I had a very nice, simple Christmas here in Mali, allowing me the opportunity to really focus on the AWESOMENESS of our Savior's birth without all the shopping, parties, etc. At the same time, I did miss being with my family and friends to celebrate. I got to skype with Mom, Dad, Cheryl, Carlos, Isabella and Alexander and watch them come down the steps Christmas morning to their Santa presents- that was incredible- like I was there! Praise the Lord for technology.

Eight of us single women celebrated Christmas Eve at Nafi's house with Tex-Mex and even boiled shrimp :) Quite a welcome surprise. We played some Christmas trivia and sang carols and visited. And since our tradition at home is candlelight service at 11pm, I saved my candle from last week's service and had my own when I got home, right at 11pm too.

Christmas Day, Alice, a fellow worker picked me up to go to Bethel Baptist Church , which was started about 20 years ago. The pastor is a converted ex-con and has a real heart for prison ministry. It is a French and Bambara church. They share the service in both languages. I couldn't understand a lot but worship is worship in any language is my opinion. The church was still all decorated from the all-night party the night before (as is the tradition here along with lots of fireworks!) Chicken is the big meal that is served on Christmas Day since it is hard to find and quite expensive. Beef is actually cheaper here. There are many people (including those of the I. faith) that celebrate Christmas here and do so just because it's another reason to have a fetes (party) but without caring about the true meaning.

Then Christmas evening we had a get-together at Nafi's again with about 30 of us workers, where I got to met more people I hadn't met yet. Boy, did we have a feast, complete with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes (which are hard to do with powdered milk apparently) and green bean casserole. And my favorite - more desserts than you could shake a stick at :) My new favorite desert (outside of Mom's pie of course) is Fish Market Apple Pie, we don't know why it's called that but it is incredibly oohy, gooey good.

We sang more Christmas carols and then shared scripture and some stories of our interactions with Malians and sharing of His Word in the various villages. We then prayed for all those people that God would give them visions and dreams and their hearts would be opened.

There are several very special M. kids here, which was fun for me and made it like being around my own family. Several of the young girls did lyrical dancing as we sang carols (Sage and Naomi style!) and I got to play with them too. We also are blessed to have almost 1 year old adorable little boy in our family, who doesn't know a stranger, so he is passed around a lot!

Nafi gave the 4 of her 'charges' our Christmas present - the best Christmas present a worker overseas can get - FOOD FROM THE STATES! I got a whole stocking of M&M's, Craisins, raisins and candy. But she also gave me a very special gift that I will treasure- a Mali soapstone nativity set. She has quite a collection of nativities from different countries that had been admiring the previous week and I told her I started collecting them from my travels. It was very special.

After many of the others had left, eight of us decided to go caroling. I hadn't caroled in forever and I tell you I'd like to revive it again as a tradition at home. You can't imagine the cheer it spread as well as gave us too. We went to 5 different Malian homes (friends of some of the workers) and brought gifts of tea and sugar as well. We sang several carols at each house, most did not understand what we were saying but were just so honored by the gesture. We explained the tradition of caroling to them as well. We also just sang out the windows of the truck as we drove along and got quite a few stares but had a blast doing it :)

Another very special Christmas memory I'd like to share.... my mom forwarded an email from a lady in her Bible Study earlier this week. She said that her and her husband wrap a Christmas present for Jesus each year and put it under the tree. It always has a donation to a charity inside. This year they decided to make my work here in Mali their charity. I was so humbled, inspired and appreciative. But besides that I was grateful for the idea. I LOVE IT - A PRESENT FOR JESUS UNDER THE TREE. I intend to do it at home. I share this with you all as perhaps you might considering doing it as well. Especially if you have a kids, it's a great way to remind them what the focus should really be on. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Brown!