Christmas in the Jungle

We celebrated our first Christmas in Shell.  It's difficult to be away from loved ones this time of year, especially with the kids and a few tears were shed and the thought of home, but we've been blessed to have the missionary family here take us under their wings.

After celebrating with our family in the morning we headed to Steve and Diane's, our new friends, to eat Christmas dinner.  With missionaries from different parts of the world we got to sample all kinds of food.  Several girls from England wanted to make a traditional Christmas pudding and light it on fire but it didn't quite work out the way they intended (possibly because all of the ingredients aren't available here).  We enjoyed getting to hear about their traditions and spending time with others that know the real reason for the season. 

Trying to Light the Pudding

After another party at the Nazarene church in town where we sang Christmas carols and shared snacks, the kids (and Lucy) were ready to get cleaned up and go to bed.

                       Ready for a Bath