Between Santa and the Kings
So here we are in that time between Santa and the Kings. Santa is associated with Christmas Eve, and the Three Kings are associated with Epiphany, known here in Mexico as Three Kings Day, when Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar bring gifts to girls and boys, leaving them in – or on – or all around – their shoes. Or maybe under the tree. Or in the shoes under the tree.
Over the holidays we’ve tried to take some time off. It’s always tricky to stay home and take time off, but the advantages are – can’t beat the price – and you can get a few things done around the house – no traffic – and there’s leftover turkey.
Our holidays started off with a neighbourhood Christmas party, and then a Christmas service (with added food, of course) with our church family.
On Christmas Eve, Nathanael got bit by a dog. So we were checking on his vaccinations (the dog’s, not Nathanael’s) and making sure he was ok (Nathanael, not the dog – but both were fine). We know the dog’s owners, and it’s well cared for, and the bite wasn’t too bad, and it was all quickly forgotten.
On Christmas Day we enjoyed the company of our friend Tina, who brought us this wonderful hot chocolate that I’m enjoying now.
Also on Christmas Day a family member in Canada ended up in the hospital. I won’t give names or details to protect the privacy of the person in question, but the person had some surgery, is doing well, and is hoping to be out of the hospital next week sometime. So obviously that has been on our minds a lot since then.
On Boxing Day (the 26th) we had a get together with our team of missionaries – most of them – except that I (Jim) wasn’t feeling well and generally missed it. But it looks like everyone else had a good time.
We went up to the pass between the volcanoes, and there was actually snow on the ground, which was fun. In fact, I saw a little snow on the windshield (a Canadian would quibble – is it snow, or freezing rain, or sleet? Well, considering how often I’ve seen it in Mexico, I’ll just romantically call it “snow”).
Since then we’ve enjoyed some time as a family, and have been able to be in touch with some family in other parts of the world.
Yesterday we went to the final service of a funeral for the father of our friend Antonio Muñoz. I’m sure the family would appreciate your prayers. Antonio, who is a pastor in Mexico City, wonderfully shared the Gospel and the hope we have in Christ, and it was hard to leave without grieving and rejoicing.
The last few days of our holidays will be a time to enjoy with friends here and there. The Three Magi Kings come on Monday. And then – back to work! Our plans for the new year are still percolating, but we have a few more days before we have to panic.
