SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM MEXICO

Christmas has sure slipped up on me this year. It takes some adjustment to get into the Christmas spirit when it's 25+ degrees! However, we're all beginning to feel that it's a bit like Christmas, now that our tree has been transformed from a "Charlie Brown" tree decorated with rubber bands, balloons and writing pens (the candy canes) to a beautiful work of art with the decorations Logan and I made from yarn, balloons, glue and a bit of shimmering gold ribbon. The Pointons have invited us over Christmas Day for ham and turkey. The time for Ashley to visit gets closer. For us, THAT will be Christmas!!

Playa Azul has been a bee hive of activity the last week. A crew of about eight "swept" through our street with hand brooms, getting rid of every grain of sand, then painting the curb. With a huge cloud of dust following them, it was hot work. ( After helping to make a pitcher of lemonade, Logan went to all the workers offering them a cool drink. They were extremely grateful that this little "guerro" was serving them.) Every enramada has spruced up its walls with paint and Christmas decorations, as only the Mexicans can do! The crowds are coming!!! This little town is sustained by the two weeks of Christmas and Easter week turists. Everyone wants to be ready. Even the road between here and Lazaro has been patched-quite an improvement.

Logan has gotten a taste of the festive spirit when his school hosted a party on the last day of school. All the children wore their best party clothes (Of course, Logan had on his shorts and tee shirt--guess we'll know better for next year. ha ha) The festive spirit was evident as all the children ran around screaming and having fun. It was noticeable that the teachers were nowhere to be seen. Bern and I decided to stick around for a while. It wasn't long before firecrackers began to go off in all corners of the court yard. We were about ready to take Logan home as loud firecrackers were being thrown from the balcony into the crowd of children. Thankfully the director finally intervened and announced that there were to be no more firecrackers. With some trepidation we left to return in an hour and a half. The clock didn't seem to move very quickly, but the time finally came to collect Logan from school. What a surprise when we arrived...there was Logan hip hop dancing amongst a group of sweet little girls in their party dresses. The rest of the school children were behind the class bars watching him with their ohhhs and ahhhs. What a HAM!!!! We didn't even know he had such moves. The teacher was his greatest encourager. Wish Kresten had been there to see his uninhibited brother!!!! What a danc'n dawg!!

We had an extra special treat in learning new seafood recipes. I had spoken to our friend, Lena, about teaching me how to make shrimp cocktail and fried shrimp. Rather than meeting at our house, she invited me to her enramada. I felt privileged, indeed. ( I also realize it's a huge step of faith when we eat what others have prepared!! A cleaning cloth couldn't be found anywhere. I cleaned shrimp in the same place where the final fruit was cut for the platters. Perhaps my food prep has been too hygiene conscious???!!!! ) All that aside, we had a wonderful afternoon together. Bernard and Logan joined us later when we all enjoyed a lovely meal together. After our yummy eats, we sat around the table and chatted with Lena and several of her friends and family.

We continue to get out into our community to meet more people. As people come to know us, we enjoy more in-depth conversations. It feels good to become part of the community, little by little. We feel honoured to be invited to Logan's coach's family gathering on Christmas Eve. The party begins at 10:00--that's PM!!! Guess we'll REALLY see how Mexico can party! (We've also been invited to the fight-till-death cock fights. We're not yet sure if we will take in that activity.)

Bernard continues to help Logan's soccer team. Seems he spends more time with the boys than does the coach. The boys come in groups to our house to "hang out" with Bernard. They sit on the outside porch and chat or get a game of American football going. They think Logan's dad is pretty cool!

Our week ended with an adult Christmas party hosted by Tammy and Malcolm. Twenty-seven friends, neighbours, and church family gathered for a festive time together. We played the "ever so fun" white elephant gift exchange. The hot items were the fireworks, soccer ball, and two Christmas stuffed bears. Bern and I came home with chocolates. Crystal Peterson will be glad to know that I got my Ferrero Rocher fix!!

We wish a joyous season for each of you. May the peace of the Christ-child be with you as the world remembers the birth of the One we call Master. Merry Christmas to all.
Bernard, Alicia and Logan Krogsgaard