Merry Christmas to everyone from Rwanda!  Today has been soo busy - we opened stockings, had an early breakfast, and headed to the English service at church this morning.  Church was great – we sang “Joy to the World” twice!  It was quite a change from the Kinyarwanda service last night – I’m assuming we didn’t sing the same songs, though I would never have known if we did.  I understood maybe three words at the Kinyarwanda service, but the dancing definitely did not need translating.  Everyone was out in the aisles dancing and having a great time.  I have no idea how late the service went on, since we left at 9:30 pm, but I suspect it stretched on well after we left.

After church we had brunch and opened presents.  All the kids (and yes, I’m including myself in this) are currently admiring their loot.  I think the best present so far is the 3-foot-tall wooden zebra Lydia picked out for herself. - “Suzy” is presently beside the door giving everyone the evil eye.  We also put together a delicious dinner (I apparently have some latent culinary talent) and went for a walk.  Our cousin Sam and his girlfriend, Christine, came down from Kigali to eat and hang out.  It has been an awesome (and tiring, but isn’t Christmas always?) day!  I miss everyone so much, but I’m so blessed to be celebrating Christmas in Rwanda!  Happy holidays!!

XO,

Sara