Despite the 80 degree temps here in Sucre, this last week actually started to feel a bit like Christmas. Artificial Christmas trees started popping up in the market around the first of December. (Unlike in the US where the stores are full of Christmas decor in October!) Since everything seems so different this year for us, we decided that buying a Christmas tree would be a must! So, shopping we went, and we are very happy with the tree that we found. Ella was especially excited to pick out a tree and of course wanted to help decorate it! Here are some pictures:
As you can see by the smile, Ella was thrilled to be decorating the tree.
John was on a mission to find the perfect topper for the tree.
Tada! The finished product!
Here is a picture of our living room, all ready for Christmas!
Another favorite of Ella's during Christmas time...getting to play with her nativity set!
This week we also participated in the Christmas Party at the FH office. It was really nice to be apart of it. They had a scheduled program, including singing performances, traditional dancing, and a scavenger hunt. We had a wonderful meal together and then all the staff were presented with the traditional employee basket. It is a tradition here in Bolivia that employers give a basket of food to each employee. Our basket included Christmas cookies, small breads and cakes, candy and a bottle of wine! Below is a snap shot of the tradition dance some of the staff did for the party:
Finally, last night we got together with several other missionaries and went over to Derek and Claire's house to surprise them with a little Christmas Caroling. Afterwards we had everyone over to our house for hot apple cider and some Christmas goodies. We had a wonderful evening!
We are looking forward to taking a break from language school and spending some time as a family next week. We will be traveling to a more tropical area of Bolivia for a little Christmas vacation before John starts officially working with FH in January. Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
4 comments:
Your home looks warm and inviting and everyone did a nice job with the decorating! It's just above the zero mark here in 'SE Dakota' today. We send our love to you all!
Love your Christmas decorations. Ella looks so tall in the picture where she and John are putting the star on the treetop - she's definitely a "Warden"! It sounds like you've started some great new Christmas traditions (as we have here in AZ). Miss and love you!
hi friend...wonderful to see you creating traditions bolivian-style. you are a well traveled soul at christmas...makes me smile as i am thinking back on our decorating drama from nancy's house :) love you jennie, have not forgotten bout you, i just hate trying to "catch up" with a great friend by email. i will get with you here soon...and what about skype?
Merry Christmas John, Jennie, and Ella! We hope you have a fun and blessed 1st Christmas in Bolivia! Missing you!
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