People lined up in malls waiting to visit Santa Clause, Christmas music playing, snow falling, commercials advertising new items perfect for Christmas, the hustle, the bustle, trying to figure out who to buy what before Christmas day....
I have to admit, Christmas here in Guatemala was quite different. The lights were beautiful just like in the states, the music played and peoples hearts were filled with joy remembering the birth of Jesus Christ. Some things were lacking that I am thankful for....like the hustle and the bustle...and some things were lacking that nothing could ever take the place of...like my close loved ones back in the states...snow...and the familiarity of life in North America...
But I was truly blessed here in Guatemala. I visited the orphanage here in Antigua where I used to live with Katie and the girls...
I visited another orphanage in Panorama and played with the boys and girls there...
I visited my Guatemalan family and played with the little grandchildren...
Went to a church service with my friends and their mom...
Ate some traditional Guatemalan food...
And then spent the rest of the evening into the early hours of the morning with one of my friends and their family members who all gather together, exchange gifts on Christmas eve - midnight and then blow up fireworks. If you didn't already know - fireworks are fit to celebrate just about anything here in Guatemala!
Then, Christmas day people sleep in super late (as they have already opened their gifts with their families Christmas Eve) .... I could get used to this!
But, my housemate and I woke up, enjoyed breakfast and coffee and opened our gifts on Christmas Day - the way we think it should be done! :)
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