Although the hope for a white Christmas is slim, we are doing our best to feel festive here in Sudan.
The other night, with Bing Crosby reminding us of Christmas’ past, we decorated our small plastic tree, ate star shaped cookie and strung solar powered twinkling white lights around the porch. All the while reminding ourselves that though it may feel like August, Christmas is here.
Though most Didinga are animists, they too celebrate December 25th. Most suspect that in the early 1900’s the Italian missionaries first introduced the Didinga to the joys of Christmas. As is true in America, very often the truth of Emmanuel, the truth of the season, can be lost here in the midst of the hustle.
Yet, these days when Didinga are busy re-mudding their houses and walking miles upon miles to Chukudum to purchase new clothes – these days when most Americans are baking special holiday treats, sipping eggnog and decorating trees – these December days the whole world seems somehow ready for the coming of the King.
This will be my third Christmas here in Didinga. My, “It’s beginning to look like Christmas…” entails afternoons spent smearing black mud and cow dung on the interior walls of friends’ mudhuts. I am starting to associate the calluses on my hands, the result of hours spent decobbing corn, with the feasting that will surely come on the 25th.
Being away from home right now is not easy. I miss my family.
Yet, the truth remains. God sent His son. Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary. He lived and died for my sins and yours and those of the Didinga. And we rejoice! We are filled with joy , a joy that is deeper than family, turkeys, presents under trees and freshly mudded houses. For here in Sudan, far from family, but surrounded by new friends, craving turkey, pie and eggnog, but feeling satisfied with tough cow meat and wild greens, without a single present bought, wrapped or expected I feel the joy of the Christmas season. The joy of Emmanuel…
May you know this same joy as well!
2 comments:
You have such a positive outlook, Kim. A belated Merry Christmas to you!
Thanks Tessa!
Hope your New Year is a happy one in Japan.
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