Celebrating Christmas in a Buddhist country is, well, interesting. Last year Christmas didn’t feel like Christmas, mainly because I missed all the commercialization that goes along with the holiday. I love it when I hear nothing but carols for a full month and see decorations everywhere and enjoy hot spiced cider and cookies on a chilly evening while wrapped up in a blanket. But that’s not what makes it Christmas.
Last year my brother recorded my grandfather reading the Christmas story and mailed the CD to me; I knew I’d miss that the most. I love living here, though during the holidays I do miss my family. But, when else could I eat basmati rice and garlic naan for Christmas Eve? Before my grandfather read the Bible, he gave a little talk and what struck me the most was his comment about “Christmas (being) a gift of love.” Though I don't have much experience in matters of love, I'm learning that to love is to let go. God had to let go of his son Jesus to save the rest of us. I'm learning to let go of my time, personal desires, and own comfort in exchange for others.
Last year I spent Christmas at the beach; this year I celebrated in Phnom Penh. I attended two Christmas celebrations-the first at Amy’s host family’s house church where her youngest sister was dressed up as Santa and we sang Joy to the World with an irregular melody. The second was at an international church service with the traditional English carols. (I just got a package from my Aunt Gail with peach tea -on the 26th-…yum!) Both were lovely services.
Christmas eve I went on an international progressive dinner with several of my MCC friends. We started at a Thai restaurant for appetizers, continued with an Indian main course and finished with French mousse. Absolutely delicious! The girls went to Carrie’s house to watch Elf and sleep over afterwards. Christmas morning we had a big western breakfast and then opened the gifts from our Secret Santa. Later in the day a bunch of us went for massages. And afterwards I even got a hot shower!
And for Christmas this year I somehow I got the disease that keeps on giving. Apparently the very, very last symptom of dengue fever is your hair falls out approximately six months after the initial attack. Very strange. And I'm battling parasites. :) But I do believe I'll win this fight with some help from metronidazole.
As I sit here on the last night of the year writing, listening to four part harmony hymns, reflecting on the past year and a bit, I realize I'm blessed. Yes I miss my family and friends, blueberries, and familiar traditions, I couldn't ask for more. Except another amazing year in Cambodia!
1 comment:
tossing a fish your way.....Man Carol I can´t believe how many crazy adventures each of us has been through over the past 14 months. Shalom often talks of Cambodia... I think about you often and wonder how things are going. Every now and then I hear from members of our group and am just blown away at how vastly different each of our experiences are. You are an amazing woman and I look forward to wrapping up in a blanket with you someday in the future, drinking hot cider and sharing our stories.
blessings,
erin
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