Merry Christmas!!!

Well, Christmas finally came to Kowak. The past month, we've been constantly commenting on how unchristmassy it has felt...no decorations, Christmas music and of course no snow! But apparently they've been saving it for the last few days (minus the snow that is), and it really has felt Christmassy!

On Thursday, the hospital had a big party for all the staff, which was most of the workers big Christmas celebration. It was a lot of fun. The sisters organized a bunch of party games with prizes, including pin the tail on the elephant, musical chairs (Rach won) and a few others. They asked us to run a game, so we taught everyone a modified version of Flip Cup! It took them awhile to understand it was a team game and a race, but we got there in the end! We all then shared a huge meal which was delicious. Our job was to provided dessert, which was none other than FUNFETTI CAKE (we found a mix in Musoma) and sugar cookies. Stephanie had the honor of processing in with the cake and helping to cut it (wedding style, 3 people holding the knife- kindof awkward!). There was even a live manger scene and a visit from "Father Christmas," one of the guards dressed up in the craziest Santa suit we've ever seen...you'll have to look at the pictures. Overall- great party!

What else, we baked a bunch of sugar cookies and gave them out as gifts yesterday. We had four houses to go to (2 convents and 2 families we've gotten to know) and it only took us 4 hours! Each time we had to stop, visit and have something to eat or drink (It's a big part of their culture to feed their guests). We were all pretty full by the end, but enjoyed the afternoon. We also got a few gifts in the process- 2 loaves of bread, some jewelry from India and more cookies!

Last night we went to the Christmas vigil mass. So far today, we've had a nice leisurely morning. We have the day off from the hospital and are just going to relax! Later on we are going to go the the Indian Sisters' house to help them cook and eat a big lunch. Who knows what we'll do the rest of the day, probably play with neighborhood kids and eat some more! We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas day...eat lots of American food for us!

A big THANK YOU to Aunt Lora! The packages were great and got here at the perfect time!