Turning the Page to Another Year. Welcome Twenty Ten!

It's been a great holiday season here in the tropics. Even though it never seems quite like Christmas in the heat, we have enjoyed many seasonal experiences. After returning from our surprise trip to Canada, I worked hard at getting our Christmas drama polished. One of our youth shined like a star with her eight-minute monologue depicting Maria's quandaries concerning Jesus' lowly birth. The congregation was spell-bound as AnaKaren transported us back in time to that humble little stable.

Many of our activities and studies took a break during the holidays. Logan ended his Karate well by nailing his "examen" which upgraded him to advanced yellow belt. He amazes us with, not only his agile moves, but also his ability to understand and speak in both Spanish and Japanese.

The congregation enjoyed our annual adult Christmas Party, complete with traditional dishes of "Tinga" and "Pazole", and of course the delicious "ponche". Leaving that gathering, we were invited to the block party already in progress on our end of the street. Logan enjoyed the breaking of the pinatas. Mom and Dad enjoyed getting to know the neighbours better over yet another cup of "ponche".

We ended our home studies with a games night at our house. It was fun teaching the Mexicans how to play Mexican Train. Logan and his friends retreated to the balcony to make their own firecrackers. (I will be soooo glad when fireworks are not so readily available. They are abundant from mid December through the first week of January.)


One of our December highlights was our visit to the orphanage. Families from the church bought gifts of clothing for 40 children. Bernard organized all the party trimmings: pinatas, hamburgers/hot dogs, music, and sweet treats. Thirty of us met and loved on the precious children from "Casa Hogar". We thank Wade and Richelle Grocott (Regina, SK) and family who donated the "Christmas Blessing" to these children! Your gift was greatly appreciated!

Christmas Day found the three of us at Memaw's Manor at Miramar. We marvel at the blessing my dear mother has left us. The view is spectacular as we wake up in the mornings overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We look forward to many guests enjoying Memaw's legacy! Tammy hosted our team to a turkey, ham, and lamb (New Zealand tradition) Christmas dinner. Logan's favourite gift was...more firecrackers!!


We are currently enjoying our latest Christmas gift: Candace and Kerry Lamb from Saskatoon!! They arrived on Tuesday, Dec. 29. We took them to Miramar, spent one night with them, then left them at Memaw's Manor to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. We'll return for them tomorrow (Sat) because we have lots more planned while they are with us!!!

We send best wishes for you all in 2010. Our desire for you is that you will grow closer in your relationship with Jesus-that you will see beyond this present world's promises and cling to the eternal promises offered by the One who has created and loved us. May you see as God sees. May you touch as Jesus touches. May you encourage as the Spirit encourages. We look forward to hearing of your many blessings that you experience as you continue to walk the journey with our Saviour.

Until next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards in Mexico