The Greatest Gift

Christmas greetings from Senegal!

Christmas afternoon on board with a few friends :)

When I give someone a gift, I hope that the person receiving it will be excited about it. I think we all do. For Christmas this year, my family sent me an adorable mug that says "YOU BETCHA" with a little outline of Minnesota. When I pulled it out of the wrapping paper, I was so delighted that I couldn't help but smile and exclaim, "Oh my gosh!"

My friend Andrea and I helping
out in the cafe last week.

Have you ever been so happy with a gift you received that you actually got up and danced for joy? I can't say that I ever have--It never even occurred to me! But today, I saw people doing just that.

Crew were invited to visit the wards and the HOPE Center to help deliver Christmas gifts for each patient and caregiver. I joined the HOPE Center group, and after visiting with the patients for a bit, it was time to distribute the gifts.

Before too long, the drums came out and a woman who could have been my grandmother began to play. Upon discovering what was inside her bag, I watched as one of the mamas flung the new bolt of colorful African wax fabric over her shoulder like an elegant sash, and went dancing up and down between the tables with more rhythm in one sandal-clad foot than I have in my entire body. Her friends jumped up and joined in her celebration while others, for lack of an instrument, added to the music by drumming on the table where they were still eating dinner. It brought so much joy to everyone watching. A scene I've only known to exist in High School Musical was unfolding in real life before our very eyes!

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad.

Psalm 96:11

Today we celebrate the King of Heaven coming to earth as a tiny baby. I pray that this gift from God would fill us all with the same overflowing joy as this mama enjoying her gift!

"Jesus Mafa" is a series of paintings depicting the life of Jesus as it would have looked in an
African context. It's so cool to see these stories from a different culture's perspective!

The crew put a shoe outside their door on Christmas Eve for "elves" to fill ;)

My secret Santa gift came wrapped in electrical tape.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night ("we'll be here all week...")