Christmas!  What a joy it has been to be able to celebrate Christmas in Burkina Faso.  We started with our Shelter Classroom in the village of Gobila.  We were able to share with the children Why we celebrate Christmas, as well as share some of our American traditions.  We told them about the birth of Christ, about the shepherds, the three wise men, the guiding star, the gifts for a King....

They all decorated their own stars and helped me decorate my now beautiful Christmas tree (you just have to use your imagination).  Then, thanks to several wonderful donors, we placed a bag of gifts under the tree - each child received a brand new outfit which will be their holiday outfit and school uniform, a color book, crayons, brand new underwear and their own pack of cookies!  Following, they planted their very own trees in front of the classroom and we ended with games and watermelon.  They will remember this day for many years to come, and I pray they will begin to understand exactly why we celebrate Christmas.  

On Christmas Eve, my employees and I were able to deliver all the ingredients for a special Christmas meal to several widows who would never imagine such a blessing.  They received goat meat, rice, and all the fixings for the sauce - a true luxury.  We still laugh at the one widow who was so excited, she danced - topless, of course!  And, we get goosebumps as we talk about the one who had to turn away because she was tearing up (crying is considered to be a shame in front of others.)

It was truly a wonderful Christmas!  And, we have the New Year to look forward to!!