Hello to all,

I cant believe its Christmas time. I wake up every morning and thank the Lord I have been delivered from the hustle and bustle of retail during this time of year. But it sure is giving me a whole different perspective on what the holidays are all about. We try our best in the states to remember what is really about, the celebration of Christs birth; but living in the American culture, it truly can be a fight not to get caught up in all the gift purchasing. I can only speak for myself. I know I have been guilty.

This year is truly different, and I give God the Praise for allowing our family to experience this perspective of Christmas thru the eyes of the Togolese people. We were invited to the home of the Pastors family. Just getting to this families home was quite an endeavor. Kens journey on the moto itself made me cringe seeing the sea of motos that surrounded him. His body absorbed every bump in the road. We followed in the taxi behind.

The home was void of electric, just a one room cinder building. Basic Christmas decorations was not to be found anywhere; no tree, no gifts. Still the spirit of Christmas filled our fellowship. They went above and beyond to make us comfortable. A box of corn flakes and Fanta soda was served to us as the appetizer. (finger foods) The main course consisted of chicken and yams w/red sauce. All served under the big shaded tree in the middle of their yard.

Thelma, their youngest son of 4 years would sneak up as often as he could to steal sips of our drinks and then giggle and run, while their daughter Iouda stayed on my lap. She just wanted to be close.

They were giving beyond there means, in the spirit of sacrifice. The true spirit of Christmas was found that day.

Merry Christmas to all

Ken and Gin