Pix and Gifts

 

 Robert and Jared prepared for their evening debut as shepherds in the Christmas Walk presented by our church for the community. Costumes easy to come by over here....Just walk to the neighborhood store. Mike joined the Wise Men for this year's Walk. Obviously type casting. Looks very wise to me.

The toddler Jesus ready to receive the gifts from the Magi. Although only two and a half, after the first few groups walked thru he would receive his gifts with a great big thank you.  He then bade them farewell with a hearty..Thank you for coming!!

           

Sallie and Robert and I waited for Russell to come thru Dubai last night. He was on his way to Texas. Here Sallie looks at the Dancing fountains, and Robert poses under Burj Khalifa.

We took presents to Russell and decorated the hotel room to surprise him.

Ready for Christmas. Sallie named the snowman..Robert Frost. Frosty is just too boring.

We were blessed to have a short visit with Russell last night. Mike couldn't go due to work commitments but the kids and I enjoyed our time with him.. In fact, he is now in the air heading to Newark from London, and then on to Dallas. In 5 days, Ryan will be here.  I'm sure I will have more to write about Christmas. We'll see if I actually do it.
There is one last thing I want to incluede, though. My friend, Pattie, was in a taxi the other day.  Her taxi driver was Pakistani.  She asked him how he was doing. His answer..Ït is very hard here. I work hard all day to make the quota(her word not his).   It is very hard. I want to go home but if I go home it is hard for 10. If I stay here it is hard for 1 but if I go home, it is easy for me and hard for 10.  I stay so it is better for the 10. They go to school. It is good for them.      When Pattie gave him a generous tip, she looked him in the eye and said, "This is for the 1..not the 10. Go and have a good meal." He left with what might have been watery eyes..and Pattie walked away reminded of what is really important this season.


         

It's December!

Mike has been at his new job for a month now. Everyday I find myself thanking God for His provision. During my walks in the park every morning, I find myself smiling that we don't have to leave.  At the park on Mondays with my homeschooling friends, I find myself just looking around the group so glad I won't be saying goodbye. Last night our small group from church had a spontaneous Christmas Party and I found myself full of thankfullness for their love and support through the recent craziness. ( I also find myself urgently praying for our other friends here who are going thru the same thing. )

On December 2nd, the UAE turned 39 years old.  To celebrate(not just the holiday itself but also that we got to be HERE for it)  I invited our friends in walking distance to come over for chili and cornbread.  Has to be walking distance cuz no sane person drives on that day.  It's like a 6 hour long parade with no rules all over the city. We had fun watching the crazy cars go by and the kids had fun coating everyone in canned snow and silly string.    

One of our favorites, but by no means the fanciest.

Those of us who love Christmas are glad that the UAE decorates with their flags colors...and the lights stays up all December.

Having chili before heading out to the Corniche to watch the fun. Sallie's friend  making the peace sign. :) Ligia from Mexico originally, and Pat from Northern Ireland gave my chili two thumbs up. 

This morning, the rest of the family is still snoozing. The light is just coming thru the living room windows. The tree is up. I have candles in the windows...and beautiful Christmas music playing as I write. Russell will fly thru Dubai on Tues. and we will hug his neck for a few hours before he ventures to the US. Ryan arrives on Dec. 20th to be with us.  Christmas is coming, for sure.  Every year it sneaks up, but this year I find myself more thoughtful...really contemplating Christ's reason for coming. His birth, His sacrifice and His love.  Maybe, after 36 years as a follower of Jesus Christ, I am finally understanding alittle bit better how much it cost Him to be born to die. For me. A sinner saved by His grace. Forever grateful.
The reason to celebrate.