CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR
2011
SOUTH KOREA
This was the first Christmas without our entire family of 15 being together. We are truly thankful for the technology of Skype, but Skype-hugs just are not adequate.
However, this large box helped us through. It arrived on Monday of Christmas week from our home church in Bessemer, Alabama. They know us pretty well and supplied many of our favorite things. Chocolate, divinity, and peppermint help to make the season bright. The fresh pecans were great. The candy canes with the legend wrappers were given to the children at the mission center.
Yes that is fresh home made apple butter just behind the stack of cards. Many of the cards were created by the members of the Children's Church.
Another very nice gift of food (we say a pounding) was given to us the same week. There were 3 bags of rice (23 pounds total) and 2 containers of kimchi. This is special because this family grew the rice and made the kimchi. One tub is radish and the other is cabbage. Each is colored red and flavored like fire by red peppers.
We had a Christmas party for the students and families of our 27 English students and the mission center attendees. Those of you who know Sheila, will recognize the wedding cookies, pecan tarts, cheese wafers, deviled eggs, fudge, and ham and cheese croissants. The green punch was a favorite.
The gingerbread house kit (from that big box from Bessemer) was a neat addition to the table.
We did not get an accurate count, but estimate there were about 75 people who attended. They heard the children sing the fun Christmas songs like Jingle Bells and We Wish you a Merry Christmas, and also Happy Birthday Jesus and Go Tell It On The Mountain.
The too-thin Santa with a Welsh accent caused us all to chuckle
All I Want For Christmas Is My 2 Front Teeth
Creating a Christmas craft at the mission center.
Saying Good Bye at the public school, since they will be on winter break
until after the time for us to leave Korea.
Christmas at the local church
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
Special Lunch
Christmas Snow
Pastor Choe's Church
Our busy kitchen on Christmas day
Christmas dinner
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Traditional Clothes at Church
2 comments:
We had our first Christmas all alone last year. It's not fun. But I'm certain when it's for the cause of Christ, He gives extra grace and help so it's surely easier than for folks who are alone for other reasons. And THANK GOD for church friends who include you and help fill the void. What a special Christmas you had this year! In future Christmases I'm sure you will look back fondly on all your experiences of your 2011 Christmas. And I'm totally certain the Korean children are going to miss you terribly. Cherish each moment you have left. I've found that everywhere we've been we've left a little piece of our heart. But instead of making us feel incomplete and crippled we are much fuller and our hearts abound with rich and sweet memories. A BIG piece of your heart will remain in Korea, but your lives will be richer because of your experiences there. GOD BLESS YOU!
Happy New Year!!! I know they enjoyed your cooking as much as we do!
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