There are many Christmas Traditions that we have at Kudjip, but that doesn't mean we can't also make new ones. We are only12 days into December, but we have already had a number of new and old Christmas traditions occur, with more yet to come.
This year the Hospital had a Christmas Picnic for our staff and families. There was great attendance and the rain mostly cooperated with us. There was some scrambling to get under the tent to eat for a bit, but mostly folks were able to enjoy being outside on the lawn, enjoying getting to know each other. Kids enjoyed getting a small Christmas present too. Nora put in a lot of work to pull off the picnic, and I think it was a success.
We did something new and had a Doctor's Christmas Party this year. Many areas of the hospital have Christmas get togethers, but the doctors haven't yet their own party until this year. With all the new doctors/dentists we have, we thought it would be a good idea to start something new. We enjoyed some games, some food and fellowshipping with each other's families.
The 1st Sunday of December is the traditional time for the Missionary Kids to do a little Christmas Play, and any other mission station to share some Christmas song or tradition of their own. We didn't have others joining us this year, but the MKs did a great job in their play and the kids were as cute as ever. Rebecca did a great job with the program and the kids had us all laughing as we learned more of the story of Jesus.
Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas is a muppet movie that my family watched every Christmas growing up, and it is something that I have continued to watch at Christmas time, as a time to just remember my childhood. At some point while I was here, I started to invite others over to watch this Christmas special with me, and now 14 years later - the Mission Family keeps coming to watch Emmet Otter with me. The popcorn, juice and toys might help the kids to keep coming, but their parents come too and we laugh and sing along (well some of us do) to this Christmas movie.
Daniel and Taylor started a new Tradition of a Christmas bonfire. Despite the rain, many of us enjoyed the s'mores and hotdogs and the campfire. We look forward to the next Christmas bonfire.
The last tradition to have happened was the Missionary Christmas Dinner. A time where the missionaries get together to enjoy and celebrate our Mission family and the birth of our Savior, the reason we are here. Cathy Hartwig did a great job, as always, of decorating everything for us, and everyone helps with the food and cleanup. The kids, of course, enjoy having Santa come and getting a gift from their missionary Aunts and Uncles.
Despite being far from home, there is much to be thankful for and many people to celebrate this Christmas Season with here at Kudjip.
