Week 21 - Christmas Away From Home

Wow, in the blink of eye it seems like Christmas has been and gone.

The days leading up to Christmas were filled with ticking things off the 'to do' list, cleaning, going to the place I seem to visit the most here (the bank) and generally getting ourselves organized for the big day.

As Wednesday here was Christmas for everyone at home in New Zealand, I was so excited to Face time family and friends. We first had a good chin wag with the Franks. It was so good seeing their beautiful faces and catching up on all the news. It was a bit surreal watching them in their summer gear while we were in the middle of winter.

We then got to Face time my family. I was worried that I was going to turn into a blubbering mess, but I was quite composed. Sez (my sister) on the other hand was crying when the i pad was turned her way as she had just opened a present from me. Every year for the last goodness knows how many, we have gotten each other a box of scorched almonds for Christmas. I wasn't letting distance stand in my way, so I organized for Cindy (another sister) to buy a box, write a message on the tag and give it to her. We had Face timed at the right time as mum and dad were due to open their present from us kids. We decided to pool funds and buy them an i pad so they could face time us more. They were stoked about the gift. We left them to opening the rest of their pressies. My Christmas was complete as my heart was full from seeing my family.

Christmas Eve saw us making our way to our pastors house for some carols, socializing, prayer and snacks. The carols were the highlight for me as we decided to rug up (well, everyone bar Pete), and sing carols to the pastors neighbours. It was such a special thing to do, and one neighbour thanked us with tears in her eyes. 9:30 came around, and everyone except family was booted (nicely) out. We felt so special to be considered family as we were asked to stay. Daphne (our pastor) and Gina (one of the interns) had made us all pyjamas with our names embroidered on the bum. We all put them on to pose for several photos.

We then settled down to watch Maze Runner. Once that was done we packed up and headed home.

At 5:30 am, Pete decided to get up and check his phone. As it was Christmas, I was too excited to go back to sleep, so we lay in bed while Pete read us the Christmas story from the bible. We then headed out to unwrap presents. We felt so loved unwrapping gifts that had been sent from home.

Once the unwrapping had taken place, we went back to bed and slept for a couple of hours as we were due at the Clarks (our pastors) house again for Brunch at 10.

Bob, looking fine.

The aftermath.

Pete's new toy.

Brunch was fantastic. We dined on South African Cuisine which was so good. After our tummies were full and we had hung out for a bit, we made our way home to Face time Pete's parents and prepare food for a Christmas dinner we were attending.

Dinner was at friends (Val and Les) with a bunch of other people. We ate more (no surprise) and had a blast playing pool and hanging out with friends. Just as we were about to leave, we saw gorgeous snowflakes fall gracefully from the sky. Our Christmas wish had been granted. It was snowing.

Friday saw us braving the shops in search of Boxing Day sales. What we found was pretty dismal, so after a few hours, we made our way home to a quiet night in.

Saturday and Sunday were super boring days as I got sick (just a cold), so Pete spent time watching TV and relaxing, while I spent time in bed and on the couch.

And that sums up another week for us here in Canada. Christmas was magical, and despite not being with our real family, we still spent time with our adopted family which made Christmas all the more special for us.