I had a busy week getting ready for Christmas
programs this week. I was teaching some
Jesus centered songs. In California I
dreaded volunteering at the kids’ school because we would do crafts and
activities for Hanukah, Kwanza, and Santa.
It was absolutely not OK to do a single manger or Bethlehem star let
alone utter the word Jesus. Our house has been Christmas craft central and the
kids have been having fun decorating the tree and house.
On Wednesday, I went back up to the Treasure Center
School where we all said goodbye to the two teachers from Europe who have been
helping to enhance the programming for the younger pupils. The festivities
included traditional dance, traditional music singing speeches and presents for
the young ladies. We also had fun
dancing together and with the kids. No celebration seems to be complete without
the presence of a juju. This is a person dressed up as an animal or a witch
like face and running around trying to scare people. When we have asked, the local people say it’s
just for fun, but clearly the roots of this are part of their spirituality.
Friday, we left at noon to go meet some other
Missionaries in Mbingo. We rented three
lovely horses with the most beautiful
views. We hiked, ate, sang, played,
rented horses, and just relaxed. We even
had our friend Fr. Christopher come and do a home Mass with us. The kids all did the readings and helped with
the music. Fr. Christopher shared how we are like John the Baptist as we take
our knowledge and go out sharing the good news.
Just two more days of school and then we are off for few weeks.
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