Christmas 2011 looked quite different from last year. This was our first Christmas in Ecuador without family or friends around which was difficult, probably more so for me (Kim). I really enjoy the changes in seasons, snow, Christmas lights, Starbucks Peppermint Mochas and so on. I also really enjoy family. I love different traditions on both sides of the family-special food, opening gifts together, Christmas eve services etc. So, although this Christmas was different for us, we had a few traditions of our own. On Christmas eve, we made a seafood dinner (like Joel’s side of the family), including homemade eggnog by Joel. We went to a Christmas eve service close to our apartment and sang Christmas carols in English and Spanish. We read the Christmas story together and then let Simeon open 2 gifts while his cousins opened their gifts over Skype. Christmas day we had breakfast together and then opened gifts and stockings and just had a relaxing day together as a family.
I have grown up around missionaries, but didn’t exactly understand what that meant until this year. It reminds me to remind you-our blog readers-to pray for those missionaries you know. Being away from family is not easy-especially during the Holidays. However, as a missionary, I can say, there is no other place we would rather be than in the center of God’s will-where He wants us. This year, that was in Ecuador, and we hope there will be many more years here with special family traditions.
Blessings to you all as this year comes to an end and we celebrate a new one coming!
Simeon opening gifts on Christmas morning
Simeon 'praying' before Christmas Eve Dinner
Simeon playing his flute from his stocking
The Santiago Partnership