People to People

Westley's Christmas Blog

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse, no, wait...what's that noise? Jack!!! What is that monkey pounding on now!

Okay, so it's not the night before Christmas but it is the day of our annual Rus Rus Mabitah Christmas Party. Winter is upon us. A cold front has passed and we have a balmy 70 degrees this morning.

Denise and I are up early, thanks to our industrious monkey and a busy day planned. Soon the house will fill with the smell of freshly baked cakes and banana raisin bread as Denise works on desserts for our 150 or so expected guests.

I jump on the 4-wheeler, as one with a bad knee jumps, and head to the clinic where our party will be held. Much to my delight the men have already cut and stacked firewood for the grill. Some of the women have begun the process of cleaning rice and starting the fires. After a short conversation I learned that the fatted pig reluctantly made his contribution to this festivity yesterday and has been marinating all night. In another house fresh flour tortillas are being prepared as well as huge bowls of coleslaw to go with our carne asada. I also learned of some last minute repairs needed on the grill. There is always something to fix and so the day begins.

By noon, we are ready for a feast. The men have carried the benches in from the church and they are filling up fast. Soon the task of serving our guests is at hand. First, a short message and prayer was given by Pastor Benigno Valles. The people are patient as row by row they receive a plate of food. As usual the first plates are handed in respect, but we decline until all others have received their plates. This is a day for us to lead by serving and by example.

In short order we are serving the desserts with the help of the Howard family who have come to spend the day with us, learning about remote missions.

After everyone has eaten too much - we begin the raffle for gifts. The people clapped and were genuinely excited for the winners of those receiving food baskets, watches, and of course, soccer balls. The younger children's raffle was fixed! We had enough small toys for everyone in the drawing.

The festivities ended with a modified version of a pinata. It was organized chaos as we threw candy into the crowd. Fortunately we didn't have to open the clinic for first aid.

We truly miss not being around our immediate family this year with Rachael in South Korea teaching English, Joshua stationed in Afghanistan with the U.S. Military, and David working in North Carolina. It is a little difficult to get together for the holidays.

However, we enjoy the spirit of celebrating His birth where ever and with who ever, as long as our hearts are in the right place.

We thank you for your continued love and support for our family and our work here in Honduras. We pray that you have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Fiesta Photos