Christmas in Palau

 It was kind of strange to spend Christmas in a place that is always warm and humid and green.  When I was indoors at night with the air conditioning and Christmas music playing, it felt almost normal.  But then I would step outside into the muggy air and see the palm trees and hibiscus and it would feel just like August.

And September and October and November...

Of course there was no fireplace, so the Sanchezes hung our stockings under the air conditioner.

But things were still festive.  The women's ministry arranged a Christmas songfest at the cultural center, which was really nice--a variety of people from the church performed a variety of songs including choir, accapella, piano and trumpet, etc.

 On the last day of school, which was the 23rd, we had parties in our classrooms.  We had food and music and a secret gift exchange. 

The kids created spontaneous art in honor of the festivities.  A few got me gifts, and a couple gave me cards that said the sweetest things and thanked me for being their teacher.  Thanks guys.  That's what makes teaching worth it.  :)

 Then on Christmas Eve the SM family had a potluck and secret Santa gift exchange.  We ate, sang a few carols, had a worship, exchanged gifts, and had a good time together.  There were no sleigh bells, no winter wonderlands, the weather outside wasn't frightful (at least in a blizzardy way), and there were no chestnuts roasting (and no open fire either).  

But we were all together, we had good friends and good food, and there was laughing and sparkling lights and music.  And we remembered that God made it all possible because He cared enough to send a Savior to us--the biggest and best gift ever.  I'm not just saying that because it's what everyone says at this time of year either...I'm really thankful that we have the chance to be happy because of what Jesus did for us.

Anyway, that was our Palauan Christmas.  It wasn't like home, but it was a lot of fun.

Here's a modified version of the Hawaiian Christmas song to make it applicable to our island...

"Ungil Kurismas is the thing to say

On a bright, Palauan Christmas day.

That's the island greeting that we send to you

From the land where palm trees sway.

Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright

The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night...

Ungil Kurismas is the wise way, to say Merry Christmas to you!"

Merry Christmas to everyone at home, and thanks again for the prayers and cards and gifts and support.  I really feel blessed.

Ungil Kurismas!