Days of Christmas

Since we spent Thanksgiving in the U.S., we celebrated "Thanksmas" (as Allan's sister dubbed it) with all the kids and grandkids. We had a full house and enjoyed so many different activities, ending with the opening of presents on Saturday morning. We had the usual -- a tree (albeit sparsley decorated---and undecorated as Haddie found cute ornaments to play with), stockings, a nice blazing fire, and presents. So it seemed unusual when everyone else was still playing Christmas music and shopping for presents. After all, we had already celebrated and were ready to move on. So our Christmas day here in Luanda was very quiet. Actually, that is a nice change from most days here, and we enjoyed being able to get around in traffic with absolutely NO stops. We celebrated Christmas morning with a service at our international church, and I was able to lead the music, singing familiar carols in quite a different environment. They really rocked into my version of the 12 Days of Christmas entitled "On the Day That We Celebrate As Christ's Nativity." And we concluded our service by singing "Go Tell It On the Mountain" on the front steps of the church to any of the passers-by. We were quite a sweaty mess by the time that ended as the sun was in full force, but it was a joy nonetheless. In the evening our friends Paul and Amy Oen and their daughter Sarah joined us for a special prime rib dinner after our do-it-yourself sushi appetizers. It was a bit strange not having the house fully decked out and no presents to open under the artificial tree, but it was somewhat refreshing not to be in constant motion. I can't say a part of us wasn't lonely not having our kids to talk to and wondering how they were all spending their day. Being away from family on such a holiday can be tough, but it sure makes us appreciative of those times we do have together. We trust you enjoyed your time with friends and family as well.

Ok, so here's the words:
On the day that we celebrate as Christ's nativity
Twelve prophet praising
Eleven drummers drumming
Ten trumpets blaring
Nine people dancing
Eight children laughing
Seven cows a-lowing
Six donkeys braying
Five bleating sheep
Four shepherd boys
Three wise men's gifts
Two angels sang
That the little babe was born to set men free