First time...

we've ever been to a Christmas party that consisted of a soccer match and a three hour program in a cafeteria, half of which had absolutely no electricity. What a great cultural experience, and as always, a good learning experience. We learned from the 40 minutes of stand up comedy that we will probably NEVER understand Haitian humor, though it was a blast to watch the students rolling with laughter. We learned that a TUB of beans and rice that looks like it could feed an entire village for a week was barely enough to feed 70 people. We learned that you only must have pieces of a tree to have a Christmas tree that everyone thinks is gorgeous. We learned that while Americans can attempt to play soccer with Haitians, they will be quickly left in the dust (though everyone was quite gracious, nonetheless :). We were also touched to learn that a Christmas party is only a Christmas party if it includes a lot of hymn singing (though not Christmas hymns), a sermon, prayer time, and the wearing of church clothes.

Most of all, we realized during the party that our students truly care about us, and that was a big Christmas blessing for us both. We will miss them while they are gone for 3 weeks! The year ends Tuesday. Please be praying for our men and woman as they go throughout literally all of Haiti for break...pray that they would be shining lights of the Word that they have been studying, that they would be safe, and that they would be a reflection of Jesus as they encounter people who have never heard of Him!