Christmas morning came early today. We were up and out of the house by 7:00 a.m. For several years now, the Hazard family joined by the Dubber family has taken cinnamon rolls and chai to the guards working the three gates at RVA. These men are away from their families on Christmas in order for the families at RVA to celebrate the birth of Jesus in relative safety. To thank them for their sacrifice, the Hazard's and Dubber's bring them a Christmas treat and wish them a Merry Christmas.
Here, Grandma Hazard pours a cup of welcomed chai for one of the guards at the main gate. About 4 years ago a grant from the US Department of State enabled RVA to upgrade the security level of the three gates providing access to the school campus.
At each of the gates, the Hazard's and Dubber's serenaded the guards with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". At the conclusion of the song, we all shook the guards' hands and personally wished them a "Merry Christmas".
Returning home, we began the Christmas present opening activities with Christmas stockings. Everyone enjoyed inspecting the contents of their individual stockings. After this, breakfast was enjoyed by all. Fortified by scrambled eggs and Swedish coffee bread, we returned to the living room and began sharing gifts with one another.
Family friend of the Hazard's, Emily Wiarda, a teacher at RVA, shows an ornament she received for her Christmas tree. She greatly appreciated the gift as she needs additional decorations for her "tannenbaum".
The guys, Ian and Jeff, show off their Land Rover shirts. The Land Rover is the work horse vehicle of Africa. What makes these shirts so appropriate is that the truck pictured is the Land Rover Defender 110, which is the one Jeff owns.
Lyndsey displays the Maasai style necklace she received for Christmas. She enjoys clothes and jewelry as well as Legos.
Being a missionary far from home, items from the States are really popular. Here, Ryan Dahlman, good family friend of the Hazard's, shows his excitement with receiving a bag of peanut butter M & M's.
While missionaries obviously wear some clothes purchased locally, at least American missionaries like to receive gifts from home which represent the latest fad or style. Ian models his new jacket with "character" hood that when zippered, completely covers his face. Scary looking, yet warm for those chilly days during the 3rd term.
Megan exhibits her exuberance at receiving a portable music stand. Grandma had originally purchased a hot pink colored one. During a phone call with Megan before coming to Kenya, she indicated that hot pink would not be her first choice. Fortunately, we were able to switch for a more suitable color. From the look on her face, the choice was a good one.
Jeff, for a long time, has wanted to convert Joyellen from a PC to a Mac. Recently, Ryan, purchased a new Mac for himself and was willing to sell his used one to Jeff. We purchased a new, blue protective cover for the laptop and Jeff downloaded all new software which Joyellen could use. Obviously, she is excited to begin using her "new" Mac computer. Aah! Another "sees the light".
The gift giving was complete. The wrapping paper was collected. The "Thank you's" exchanged. Now the time for family fun had come. Out into the sun for a friendly game of Cornhole. The Hazard's wish all reading this blog a wonderful Merry Christmas. May your day with family be fun and enjoyable. During your time of celebration, please stop and remember the reason for this season. God coming to earth as a human baby to offer us all salvation. There is no greater gift than this.
More to come ...
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