A Tanzanian Christmas

                          
                                                                                   26 Dec. 2012

Dear Family and Friends-
   It's the day after Christmas and everything in Tz. is very much back to normal.  It seems as if Christmas is a one day event here.  The chapel is decorated on Christmas Eve, Christmas carols are sung during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship, and families who are able get together for a meal---and for some, a small gift is exchanged---all very low keyed and short-lived.
   At first, I didn't know what to make of this.  I thought that the simplicity of the season would make it more powerful spiritually for me.  I remember when we were in the states last year for Christmas thinking that the commercialism of the season obliterated the precious message.  So now I'm experiencing the total opposite and feeling that this extreme also has its drawbacks--it comes and goes before you can savor the richness and depth of the season.
   So, after much pondering,  I've concluded that there is beauty and meaning in both cultures' expressions, and that the real Christmas happens internally in one's own soul.  Christ's birth is not about location, but rather it's about openness--- to receiving God's Son, everyday, wherever we are.
   Tim had the Christmas Eve. Service in English and a childrens choir sang beautifully. The musical talent here is generational--everyone seems to have such natural harmony.
  It's been wonderful having our daugher,Jill, with us for 2 weeks.  We enjoyed an amazing safari to the Serengetti, and Ngorongoro Crater. We had a "tenting" experience the first two nights and could hear  worthogs snorting and rooting right outside our doorflap. We could hear the hyenas howling throughout the night--it just added to the excitement and suspense of the darkness.  The last night we were in Tarangire and stayed in a bungalow.  We were delighted that evening when a pack of baboons paraded 3 feet in front of our tent---keeping their eyes glued to us, as if we were the ones on show!
   Well, I want to get this sent before our internet connection is lost.  We truly miss all of you and are keeping you in our prayers for a wonderful coming year.
   God's peace and blessings be with you.
          Tim & Diane