Merry Christmas

As you know from my earlier post my Christmas started with a package from the Graffius family in November and I'm happy to say I held off opening the gifts until Christmas day, bet we'll get to that later. The last day of school before Christmas break we celebrated by playing games in the morning then around 11am, women in the village who offered to cook brought the rice and beans and stew chicken into each class. The students all donated either food or money, which sadly kept a few families from coming. I joined Mr. Chub and the Standard 4's party. Before eating a few students exchanged gifts. It was the sweetest thing as they got in front of the class and said, "This gift is from my heart as a sign of my love for you." Of course there was also music and a little dancing. When I went to town on the Monday before Christmas I was surprised to find four packages at the post office!! The post man wanted me to open up the largest box to check the contents, but I asked if he could just look because I wanted to wait until Christmas. I was going to wait to open all four until Friday, but noticed some popcorn falling out of the box from the American Legion Auxiliary. This package was such a wonderful surprise and its contents were time sensitive-baked goods. I enjoyed digging through the popcorn finding cookies, brownies, lip balm, playing cards, soup base, etc. It was like a little treasure hunt. I was happy to share all the sweets (compete in Ke'kchi) with the Mas family and was shocked how fast they disappeared. Martha explained, "We've never tasted sweets like this before, that's why." One thing Hillaria had tried before was Smarties except she told me they were on a necklace. She was trying to refresh Alejandro's memory, so I asked how long ago that was. Maybe a year. What?! Will someone please send this girl a candy necklace? Haha! For Christmas Eve we lit my stove for the first time and roasted marshmallows making pseudo s'mores. The marshmallows were vanilla maple flavored and we put them between some of those thin waffle wafers. One good thing about being here is there are no expectations and everything sweet is delicious. The roasted marshmallows were good enough to bring Florentino and Ernesto back for a visit Christmas Day. Dad surprised me with a phone call. It was nice to talk to him. I took a couple naps hoping it would be enough to keep me awake for a long-lasting church service. I was prewarned that church would be until midnight, and I want to say we went around 7pm. I don't know what I'll do when I go to church back in the States and am only there an hour and a half tops, it will also be crazy to worship in English again. After four hours of singing and one hour of sermon the night was not over yet. We then went to Miss Louisa's parent's house for caldo and poch. I never really know what to do in large group gatherings around candlelight where everyone is quiet, but like always was taken care of and well fed. When I got my bowl of soup I noticed a white hunk of something about the size of my fist and from past experiences I knew better that to take a bite without further investigation, especially since I had a hard time breaking it with my fingers (no silverware, remember) Luckily, Alejandro was sitting next to me so I quietly asked him what it was. "It's a yam, Miss Amy." This made me chuckle thinking to myself instead of a Christmas ham I would be enjoying a Christmas yam. Okay, maybe it's not that funny, but it made me laugh at least. After we were done eating I got to carry Ione home, escorted by Martha and Alejandro. Side note: This was the first time I was advised to carry my money and lock my doors and windows when leaving the house. I thought, "On Christmas, really?" I guess they have a problem with some of the men drinking too much, gives meaning the song I kept hearing on the radio, "Please, Daddy don't get drunk this Christmas..." It's a pretty ridiculous song especially in that country twange. Anyways, since not one Christmas carol was sung during the 5 hour service I sang myself to sleep with a medley of everyone I could think of. Even though I didn't fall asleep until after 1am, the spirit of Christmas work me up early as usual. Santa had come via the post office and I was excited to open my gifts, or course waiting until the Mas family made their way to my house, the whole 10ft. I let the girls open the wrapped gifts and my goodness, couldn't believe all that was there. How did all that love fit in those boxes? I had a little area for my games before, but now I need a whole shelf! And stickers galore with more on the way. It's amazing to me the ways I'm supported. (Dawn that's is so neat! I can't wait to take them to the school and let the teachers use them as rewards for good work. I'm hoping to encourage more use of positive reinforcement and stickers are perfect!) Aunt Diana sent some baby clothes which got a few laughs. I knew why she sent them, thinking I would find a baby, not make a baby, but everyone else had other ideas. I'm glad some fit Ione and have found a couple other little girls for the rest. I have a new favorite t-shirt that matches my new red slippers, although I'll probably pack the flip-flops away until the ones I wear everyday now break. I was surprised how fast the first pair went. All the candy was tasty, my favorites, Peanut M&M's and Hairbo gummy bears. I added some to the North Loup popcorn I took to a few families. I thought I would share a little of Nebraska with the alcalde, my neighbors who had me over for tamales earlier in the day, the principal Mr. Chub, and the preschool teacher Miss Florentina- she really liked the gummy bears. So I have to say my Christmas was very pleasant. We even spent some time putting togeter a puzzle thanks to Emily and started watching a movie. Yes, we have a TV and DVD player! Another tradition I experienced but wasn't expecting was opening sweet cereal on Christmas. I don't know if Larka knew of my family's sillyness or if it was just a coincidence. Either way it causes some happy tears. This was my first non-white Christmas, but it was still merry and bright. Hope you all enjoyed your own. Loves and Hugs!