It's beginning to look a lot like....

It is well before Thanksgiving here in Madagascar and there are signs of Christmas all over town. Not like in America where the stores carry items and the streets are all decorated but some of the shops that cater to foreigners are all decked out with Christmas trees (a bit on the pathetic or anarexic side of things but a tree none the less).

I have not looked very closely at what they have to offer because I knew I had brought 6 boxes of Christmas items with me to help me get to the greatly overproduced American feel of the holiday season. Each of the items that I have brought with me have special significance, incredible people have blessed me with special items over the years in anticipation of me being here, across the seas and miles - remembering them and how they care for me. A quilt made by a amazing women through a CA supporting church, the lights and garland that my Mother so desperately wanted me to leave with her. The absence of a pine tree forest because she won out on that request! Ribbons, stockings, glasses, coffee mugs, significant ornaments and cards that all adorn the first floor of the house that I share with Sandi!

It is now a few days before Thanksgiving and the house is decorated and ready for all to enjoy and gather here for the holidays that are so quickly approaching. This is the first year ever that I have welcomed Christmas before Thanksgiving but I am so very Thankful and will keep that mindset all throughout the coming month of celebrations. I am so shocked that the year is so close to an end. Seemed like I would not ever get to Madagascar and now that I am here It doesn't seem that I have lived anywhere else.

We are looking forward to spending time with many new single friends as we host a Christmas Party on Friday, December 4, 2009. We have invited 23 other singles both Malagasy and foreigner to start this holiday right. Focusing on Christ amidst fellowship with each other, keeping HIM the reason for this season.