Christmas in Laos

The Christmas Eve service at a Lao Evangelical Church in Vientiane. I'm not the best photographer and this is not the best photo, but hum a little Joy to the World, synthesizer-style, as you imagine this joyful and pom-pom'ed dance taking place.





On Christmas morning, the MCC volunteers staying at the guesthouse had breakfast together-- eggs, bacon, toast, papaya. We also opened packages from home, or each other (the couples), received phone calls, and finished up or began our potluck contributions. I was just beginning to cook after breakfast, or just heading to the market to buy vegetables so it was a rush to finish before lunch. I haven't shopped in a market on Christmas Day before but the last minute cooking as a touch of familiarity for me. I'll learn one day.




We had a feast-- turkey, potatoes, salad, rolls, what what-- followed by songs, a gift exchange (White Elephant-style but really lovely things: Lao handicrafts and imported foods like Kraft dinner), candle lighting, and snacks-- many, many good snacks. A day full of blessings and a beautiful culmination of the Advent Season. Even though 25th has come and gone, may we continue to joyfully celebrate the good news of Christmas. Christ has come.

Peace,
Renee