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.
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| One of our favorites, but by no means the fanciest. |
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| Those of us who love Christmas are glad that the UAE decorates with their flags colors...and the lights stays up all December. |
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| 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.
