Yay for Christmas and Family

It is only four days till Christmas! When we look out our window we don't exactly see snow, but it has cooled off some. Two days this week we had mornings that were right around 63 degrees! The rest were well into the 70's, but those two days were really nice. They warranted long pants and a light sweatshirt with ourcups of coffee in the morning. The morning and nights seem the most festive because it is cooler and our Christmas lights show up better. It is good to have to remember what Christmas is really about without all the snow, decorations, and cold. I have never sung Christmas carols while Hibiscus (like the one in the picture) are thriving right outside of my house. But we have truly enjoyed our time here this Dec. and Christmas season.

We are fortunate enough to have Jon and Beth (Kath's parents) come visit tomorrow for a week. It will be very exciting to see familiar faces and hang
out with them. We both wish that our whole families could come, but I guess that is true for any married couple that has to alternate family holidays! It is rough having two amazing families and having to share ourselves! I think that the Sloan's and Moody's should just form a union and have a big celebration together to make it easier on us :) It is a good problem to have. We have been given the amazing gift of loving families and friends. We can't tell you how much we appreciate all the emails and comments that you have sent telling us that you are reading our blog and keeping us

in your prayers. That is a true blessing to us, especially during this time of year. (Left: Picture of our Living Room with some awesome paper snowflakes and Christmas Lights)
The last week Kathleen and I have been struggling with sickness. It is really funny that we didn' t have one stomach problem before we visited Port-au-Prince in October. After that point we have had some sort of stomach ache ("vant femal" in Kreyol) or something every few days between the two of us. I guess God just knew that we couldn't handle being sick and adjusting, but now that we are adjusted we are ready to get sick. I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I buy food

made by street vendors or buy strange spicy pickled beans, carrots, and these little orange and green hot peppers that make my tongue burn and my eyes water! But I just love the Haitian food! I keep eating it whether I get a little ill or not... it is so good! haha I don't know why it is so good, but I just enjoy the experience. Kath and I are both feeling good right now and we hope that it will continue that way.

(Left: These two kids came by yesterday to show us their coloring pictures. I think they asked us whose was better since they are brothers. "Tampico" is a ketchup...not sure why they drew and colored it?!?!)

We have been hanging out with the Thede kids a bit lately. I am helping Eli build some Christmas presents for everyone using paper and Elmer's glue. It is a great time. It is always fun to build stuff and hang out with him. Kath has had a number of "Girls Only Tea Parties" with Anna. I was allowed to intrude once to provide entertainment, but I have declined further invitations. In most ways it is life as normal here. The Haitians don't really get into "Noel" as it is called here as much as in the states. So we are trying to carry the Christmas Spirit on for everyone. Well I have babbled on long enough. We will be thinking of you all over the next few days. We have been given an amazing gift from you to be on this adventure and all for the purpose of a greater gift... Christ coming to earth as a little baby because he loves you and me more than we can ever imagine.
(Pic is the busy market that we go to every couple of Wednesday to pick up our Cornflakes and fresh veggies)


Have a Merry Christmas!!