December Already?

For someone who grew up in Montana, I’m finding it difficult to believe that the Christmas season is upon us. Christmas in Mexico has a little different flavor. They have the dancing Santas, the song, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” (think about that one), lights, poinsettias, and even Christmas trees; but we’re still averaging 70 degrees most afternoons. To my Northern brain, 70 degrees means late summer or early fall, not Christmas.

So, even though there will be no snow here, it is still one of the most wonderful times of the year. Isaiah said it beautifully, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

May Christmas be a blessed time for you and your family as you celebrate the birth of our Wonderful Counselor, the Greatest Gift of all.

Some Things I've Learned In Mexico

1. How to climb up a ladder to the roof to pump the water and check the gas tank.
2. That the Mexican people are incredibly creative.
3. How to use public transportation.
4. That walking is the best and usually fastest way to get around blockades.
5. That geckos and lizards ARE my friends.
6. That cockroaches are NOT my friends.
7. How to take a shower in 2 gallons of water.
8. How to chase down the water guy.
9. That cutting the grass with bush trimmers is possible, but takes forever.
10. That I really enjoy a good tlyuda.
11. That music is really best at FULL volume. (And if you can hook up more speakers, that's even better!)
12. That MKs (missionary kids) have their own sense of style, but they are truly amazing!
13. That the Mexican people are always willing to help, no matter the inconvenience to them.
14. That praying and talking with fellow missionaries is very helpful and refreshing.
15. That God is faithful to me, even here in Oaxaca.