Christmas with the Chile Field Team

let the feasting begin

Spending Christmas far from family is a natural part of missionary life overseas. An important Christmas Day tradition is always the phone call to loved ones back home, with the phone being passed from family member to family member until everyone has had a chance to wish Grandma a Merry Christmas. At least, that is the way it was done when I was a child - now, we have the luxury of internet and Skype and webcams so the kids can sing and dance and hold up Christmas gifts for the grandparents to patiently admire!

Because family is so far away, another important tradition for our missionaries in Chile has always been a Christmas dinner and gift exchange together on the evening of the 25th. We share the cost of a turkey, which is a rare and expensive treat in Chile, and each family brings a dessert and salad or side dish. It makes for a delicious and fun get-together which we look forward to each year. Below are a some pictures from this year's gathering - Enjoy!

Sharon with Juliana

the Rogers family

the Russell family

Jenn snapping pictures of the fun

happy Andrea

Muriel joins in the fun

Lori had my name for the gift exchange - thanks!

pretty Isabel

little miss Eva

watch out for this guy!

Juliana serving tea

are these darts or teething toys?

the funniest photo - does Duane look like he's sneaking off with someone's present or what?? (actually he is guarding the precious Colombian coffee he received as a gift!)