Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Merry Christmas!!! Its hard to believe another Christmas has already come and gone. This was definitely a unique Christmas and one that was very special.
Our celebrations started on the 24th (as thats when most Panamanians celebrate Christmas) and continued on through the 25th....straight.
Starting on the 24th, our team went out for Dim Sum (one of my favorite types of food!) for brunch, and then at night had the chance to attend a beautiful Christmas Eve service, where we sang some carols and heard the Christmas story. Then, our team headed over to the National Director's house, for some more celebrations, games, fellowship and food. It was fun, and became an even bigger party when the clock struck 12, as fireworks were going off non-stop. The games continued on, and we got home at 3am. Wow.
On the 25th, we celebrated Canadian Christmas. We all slept in a bit, had a yummy breakfast prepared by Lindsey, opened presents in the afternoon and then enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner made by Lindsey & Steve. I really enjoyed the time we got to spend as a STINT team family. Each of us also got to talk with our families in Canada, too, which made the day even greater. We eventually crashed into bed at about midnight, after a tranquil yet very memorable day.
It was such a privilege to be able to focus on and celebrate our Saviour's birth together as a team, and thats what the day really felt like... praying to thank Him for gifts we had received, the reading of the Christmas story and the real sense of love for eachother throughout the day. I am so thankful for all of these things. It was a Christmas to remember and treasure. In some ways I felt like Mary, when the Bible says she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19). God has blessed us so much, and allowed us to have such an incredible Christmas.

On another note, tomorrow we are officially on VACATION!!!! WHOOO! My parents and sister have come down to visit from Canada, and we'll be doing some touring around the city until Jan 4th. And then, for a week, we are going to Cuba to meet up with my brother, his wife & her sister. I am looking forward to the time spent with my family & all the fun that will ensue.
So, as such, I wont be online much in the next couple weeks....so, until January, have a very Happy New Year 2009!!!!