My second time away from home for Christmas was in Chile! It was warm outside, different being in a different family, but still full of love, joy, and peace, thanks to our gracious Jesus.
When Jesus spoke again to the
people, he said, “I am the light of the
world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have
the light of life.” John 8:12
Here in Chile, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve. We had stuffed TURKEY using a Mexican recipe...and of course I made my famous PUMPKIN PIE. Dinner was delicious!
Then, instead of exchanging gifts, I introduced Pablo's family to WHITE ELEPHANT gifts. Earlier that day we all scavenged the house along side our creativity to wrap the most bizarre gifts we could find. Some were useful, others were just plain funny, and some had to be given back to their owners (I was not going to keep a used plunger!)
We woke up on Christmas Day singing praises to the Lord. Then...after eating turkey left overs it was on to the main event -- the piñata! We were celebrating Jesus' birthday after all!
I thank the LORD for Pablo and his loving family. They have really made me feel at home the times I have spent with them. Even though I could stay at the House of Hope, the weekends that we don't have activities, all the girls leave to spend time with their families. So, just as they do and as the Lord has blessed me, I also go to spend time with my family here in Chile-- either visiting Pablo's dad, grandparents, or aunts and uncles in Santiago, Pablo's mom and step-dad in Viña, my host family and/or friends in Viña, or Pablo's sister at the YWAM base... and wherever I go, I'm with Pablo, who little by little is becoming my family.
