Advent Conspiracy

Our tree is up... a six foot artificial pre-lighted deal from Rite-Aid. To keep it out of reach of both twins and Jazz we have it on top of a small table, which means that the top of the tree doesn't quite fit. One of our favorite Christmas books is "Mr. Willoughby's Christmas Tree" about a smiliar situation in which every Christmas tree seems not to fit and has to have the top chopped off. Our children are tickled to have such a tree themselves, although due to the non-tree like nature of our tree we simply bend the top backwards and out of sight. It is loaded from top to bottom with unbreakable plastic balls and all sorts of home-made and store-bought ornaments both from America and Africa. With several strands of small metal balls and gold tinsel strewn by all four children, it is quite the sight to behold. They are especially delighted by it, and of course, by the fact that we can leave the twinkle lights on all day long (a definite no-no in Uganda where that would have drained our limited solar power.)

Two days ago we made sugar cookies, rolled out the dough and cut out tiny cookies in a variety of shapes. The kids sat on the floor and watched them bake. Then we slabbed on vanilla icing, sprinkled them with green and red sugar crystals, poured ourselves big glasses of cold milk and ATE ALL OF THEM. It was a little bit over the top, but a good memory I think.

I find myself still gazing around in wonder that we are here and not in Bundibugyo. I have loved the Christmas season in both places, but this year especially I am enjoying the pure American style with which we celebrate this holiday. The twinkle lights, the advent wreaths, the Trader Joe's Advent Calendars, even the huge toy catalogues that come in the mail are all fascinating and tend to build up the excitement that surrounds the birth of Jesus.
Many things have changed or come into existence since we've been in Uganda... Blackberries, self-checkout counters and DVRs just to name a few. But our favorite hands down is YouTube. We love the imagination that springs forth from time to time. And while "Beware of the Doghouse" has had us laughing for DAYS our current favorite is the "Advent Conspiracy." Michael and Karen this made me cry thinking of you guys and what you have done for the people of Bundibugyo and what you are currently doing for the people of South Sudan.
Click on the link below if you're interested:

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU