Christmas Mangos
I can’t believe that it is Christmas time again! And, though I am not proud of it, I have to admit that I have been a bit (ok, very) hesitant to let the Christmas season approach this year. I am usually standing with arms wide open to embrace everything Christmasy! But this year has been different as we are far from family again in a tropical land. I have found myself humbugging around — finding much more in common with Scrooge and the Grinch than Santa or any of his elfs.
One hot day in November, I even sprinted across the house when I heard a rogue Christmas song ring-a-ling onto my itunes playlist. I was not sprinting out of joy… no, I was racing to get to the computer as fast as possible so I could skip it. I believe the song was Amy Grant’s “A Tender Tennessee Christmas”, one of my all time favorites. However, I just couldn’t listen to it this year.
People have asked me before what the hardest thing about living here is. Though there are a number of various challenges, being far from family definitely takes the cake. The Christmas cake. And I think it is especially hard during the holidays.
Thankfully, I was reminded of something a wise person once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” (Buddy the Elf.) These wise words really pricked my hardening heart, so one weekend in early December we decided it was time to decorate!
We had to be a bit more creative this year since evergreen trees are not to be had in these parts. But we cranked up some christmas music (welcome back, Amy Grant), pulled out our Christmas boxes that arrived on the container, and we let the Christmas season in. And I am pleased to announce that I am feeling much more cheerful. So if you hear a faint sound of Christmas music being carried in the wind, it might just be the sound of me and Travis belting out Christmas songs to keep the Spirit of Christmas in the air. Merry Christmas everyone!!
Here are a few pictures of us building our Christmas tree with supplies we found in the market:
We went to the market to find makings for a christmas tree and this is what we came up with!
It's beginning to look a lot like... Christmas??
There may not be any evergreen trees around here, but we have an abundance of beautiful fabrics!
Lights!
What is Christmas with no snow? (at least a fake green snowflake or two!)
Karibu (welcome) Santa!
Voila! Merry Christmas Everyone!
P.S. Check out our new favorite Christmas Album: She & Him’s new Christmas album! We are loving it!
Yes, it IS beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I love your creativity! You will never forget this tree. It is very hard to be away from family at this time of year. I hope you all can enjoy the new family there and have a memorable Christmas! Love you!!
Lauren, you are beautifully creative! I know the feeling of sprinting across the room to skip a song, mine just happened to be “I’ll be home for Christmas” (gets me every time!) We love you guys and you are both constantly in our prayers!
Lauren –
I LOVE IT! Beautiful – Christmas IS hard, but one day you just might find yourself missing the Christmas you created in Tanzania.
How creative! It looks like a very pretty Christmas tree! I remember Xmas away from family! I know the Coxes presence will help. We always viewed any company from the states to be shared among us all!
That is the most beautiful Tree I have ever seen:) Merry Christmas my friend.
I cant really say I know how you feel but I feel for you. Love you, Meg
A beautiful tree, guys! Perhaps having to work so hard for “the Christmas spirit” will help you remember better what it’s supposed to be all about–a God who humbled himself and came a “long way” from his home to show us love and grace. Here in the States we often forget what Christmas is about, but Christmas is what YOU are actually doing!
We love you and miss you and wish you God’s richest blessings this Christmas and in the coming year.
Ken and Barbara
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I love the tree!
Oh, you guys! (I mean ya’ll). You make me grin and weep, and cherish your family, your tree (and your Christmas music taste). You would make it on the Christmas decorating tour in our hearts for sure!
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Your Christmas tree rocks! I am loving it. Very creative.
I am glad you got over the Christmas time blues. I think we are all prone to it; but, when we step back and let in the right emotions, good things usually come.
Thanks for the post.
What a beautiful tree!!! We will be praying for you during this season – I remember how very hard it was to be away from family. We love you and thank God for you!!!
Jill and Mark Brazle
Hi!
NIce work. Congratulations!
Based in Dar es Salaam, I run a humpback whale recording network and wonder whether you would like to share details of the whales you saw in August-September.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Matt Richmond
Samaki Consultants
Namanga, Dar es Salaam