...With some of the children in the parish
Many have asked what Christmas is like in Peru...and, indeed, there are some different tradtions. This first Christmas without family, friends, or the snow and cold has been memorable and blessed! Thank you so much to those who sent greetings via email cards and letters. My heart is full because you have thought of me and sent your well wishes and prayers, my heart-felt thanks!!!! I will respond personally to each one and in the meantime, will share the stories of Christmas through this blog...
So, about Christmas in Peru....our worship service was at 5:30 p.m., roughly, because things rarely seem to start on time (at least that's not been my experience yet!). The service, itself was different, as one can imagine. We did sing some of the traditional Christmas songs from the "north" translated into Spanish, of course! That was neat...and we sang many more Latin American Christmas songs, as part of a candlelighting service around the theme of "The Colours of the Season."
Pastor Pedro led service on Christmas Eve
This "liturgy" is one I've never experienced before and it was nice, however, I still missed the Traditional Candlelighting service with some special music interjected between the Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth. Singing "Silent Night" as the congregation each holds a lit candle is a special memory and one that I might always miss. My "normal" Christmas memories were replaced with the smiles and embraces of the children (who outnumbered the adults) and communion that was shared in a circle of 19 children and adults. Following our worship, we shared chicha (which is a purple drink made from pineapple juice, lemon juice, and corn ...it sounds strange but is really GOOD!) We also ate paneta (which is the local Christmas bread, also delightful!) Then for the evening, I went to a parishioner's house to spend time with her family. Her oldest son is a guitarist and pianist, so we sang and played Christmas music and many other selections, changing keys, etc. It was great fun!!
The table is set and ready, complete with "Inca Cola"
The Christmas tradition is to eat supper at midnight, but we ate around 11 PM. After our delicious meal, which as you can see included turkey, we went out to the street to watch the fireworks and firecrackers. Since there are no regulations, laws or bans for fireworks or firecrackers, children and youth light these in their backyards and in the streets. It is another part of the Christmas tradition here. Although it seemed dangeorous to me (for the children lighting them and for the drivers in the streets!), it did add to the festive feeling of the night! These are some of the stories of Christmas, this precious and unique first Christmas out of Canada! Life continues to be interesting and adventurous here!
Fireworks for Jesus!
Christmas Day was filled with calls to family and friends, as well as time with the American Lutheran (ELCA) Missionary Pastor, her family and visiting in-laws. The kids swam in their wading pool (just another normal Christmas Day!), we shared snacks, Christmas cookies, and memories of Christmas' past, as well as being entertained with the kids' whimsical musical offerings....this added so much to my day and is a fabulous memory of my first Christmas in Lima!
The last few days have been busy....the National Church Council had a Christmas supper over the weekend, which the German Missionary Pastor hosted. Fabulous food and lovely visiting and fellowship accompanied conversation about the music and teaching part of my role with ILEP. Then Saturday, I accompanied a singing group who is here from Minnesota...a group of 12 female youth and their music director, his wife, their accompanist and the pastor at their church. They're here singing in our ILEP churches and touring Peru a bit, as well. They came to our Saturday activities with the children from the barrio, helped with crafts and gave a half hour concert for some 120 kids (mas o menos) and their parents who came out for the Christmas celebrations...it was SO awesome!!
...helping with crafts
singing a song with actions!
getting ready for the puppet show...
The kids were full of hugs and kisses for me, their new "pastora" and it took everything in me not to burst into tears, although several times found myself feeling overwhelmed and emotional! The realization embodied itself in my heart-this is where I belong! The joy and enthusiasm of these children is certainly contagious!! On the way back to their hostel, the youth were filled with all kinds of stories about how different my church is and about kids they'd met...
With some of the mothers who help with the Saturday program for the children
What an amazing way to begin my ministry at San Juan Camino de Esperanza, Saint John Way of Hope, for certainly this is a place filled with hope!
Thanks be to God!!
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