Christmas 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

Hope you all had a blessed Christmas. My Christmas consisted of four hour church service followed by a four hour lunch party at my neighbors’ house to celebrate the first communion of their son. Part of the church service included a first communion ceremony for about 50 individuals; mostly teenagers, but a few adults as well. In addition they had baby dedications for a large number of babies and toddlers. It was very hectic to say the least, but at least the new wing of the sanctuary was finished to hold all the people. It was much needed as lots of people had family members visiting too. Despite all the added seating, I arrived an hour and half early to put down my stuff in order to save a seat by a window. Since I live so close to the church, I returned home to make Christmas Tree Pancakes(no I don’t have a mold, I just made big pancakes and then cut them in the shape of trees and then sprinkled powdered sugar on them) and opened my Christmas present from my Mom. Thanks Mom! The family who hosted the lunch had set up a big “tent” for the party. By hour four I was just melting, even under the tent, I was just cooking. I finally had to excuse myself and I left to finish opening my Christmas stocking while sitting in front of the fan in my house.

Definitely no White Christmas here, definitely a scorcher of a day. I know when Malagasies comment about the heat; it means it really is hot and it’s not just my low tolerance for heat. I try to do all my market shopping as early as possible as it can already be warm by 7am. One time I was at the market and a seller asked me why I arrived when not all the sellers had arrived and I told her it was to escape the heat. I don’t mind less selection if it means I can shop for produce while it’s cool.

In a cultural note, I am realizing that in a way I feel living here is almost more difficult the more I integrate. I thought that more integration would make everything easier, but in some ways life has more challenges as I feel more a part of the community. I find myself reacting differently to dissimilarities in cultural norms. The holidays are a great time to be a part of a community that is what really makes the holidays special. Being able to celebrate the joys such as a baby born at 2pm on Christmas Day, they gave him the middle name Noel. Being a community member also means also providing support in times of sorrow. I am sad to report that there were two fatal accidents near Christmas, one involving a child. Not the best way to end a post, but it was really moving to be there in support of the family. I may always be a Gasy Vazah(Malagasy foreigner), but more than ever, I felt truly integrated this past week.

On a happier note, I plan to spend New Year’s Eve celebrating with my friend’s Bible study group. She asked me to prepare a game and song for the party. I am not sure if I know all the words to the song Auld Lang Syne. I am wondering if I can I hum part of the lyrics? There will be close to 35 people and most of those will be children, it may be a long evening but it should be fun.

Love,
Teena