Christmas Eve With Our Team

     We were blessed to have a team Christmas party on Christmas Eve.  While Christmas isn't celebrated in Russia by very many people, it is a major holiday for each of our teammates, which makes it a special time to celebrate together.  After snacking on yummy appetizers, we acted out the Christmas story.  Everyone did a great job, and it was very entertaining!

     Anneka's dream of being Mary came true, as no one else volunteered for this role.  Leif was Joseph, and here they're holding baby Jesus.

     There were lots of giggles as Ryan dramatically acted out his part of the angel Gabriel.

Here, the host of angels is visiting the shepherds.

   And the wise men followed the star to Bethlehem (very impressive the instant costumes and props people came up with!

All of the younger kids got a present.  They lined up in order of their birthdays.

Naomi helped Ike open his toy truck.

Ella loved her hippo!

     Then the adults and older kids had a gift exchange of food items ($3 or less).  It was fun to see what people came up with!

 In my opinion, I got the VERY BEST food item- a package of tortillas!!!

     At first Ella only wanted to be with Mama and wanted me to hold her.  But by the end, she was interacting with everyone and having lots of fun!

     Ike was overjoyed by all of the people who fed him food, as food is one of his favorite things in the world.  And he liked exploring in a new place.

     We had a time of singing Christmas carols by candelight in four different languages.  I love how we can come from different backgrounds and cultures but we're all united by our love of Christ and can celebrate this together!

     That night we continued our tradition of sleeping under the Christmas tree as a family.  What precious kids we have!

We always miss our family back home at Christmas time.  We are so grateful and amazed how God brings sweet blessings as we are away.  He's so good to us!