Christmas Reflection

We spent a relatively quiet Christmas Day after a late night party Christmas Eve night. I was so exhausted that evening and couldn't stay up as the party continued well into the early morning hours. I even slept through the boistrous laughter and the loud popping sound of firecrackers, which actually sound like gun-shots. So Christmas Day was spent just relaxing. Megumi and I were able to just experience rest in unusual ways because the kids were so pre-occupied playing with their cousins and were less demanding of our attention. We took numerous short naps throughout the day - like a baby in a manger. My relatives take such good care of us when we come here and they prepare meals, make us comfortable, and attend to our every need - like a baby in a manger.

As we relax inside we can hear the steady stream of carolers, who go door to door serenading the neighborhood with carols and festive songs. What a wonderful tradition that perhaps has been lost in the states, at least in California. Such activity would probably warrant a complaint call to the police or neigbhorhood watch for public nuisance. Not here.

Today I will take the Bermejo Clan to a local resort where we will bbq and go swimming at their pool. We woke up to a downpour of rain, so we hope the weather clears up soon. The public beaches here are not that nice, so the pool will provide clean water fun. Since there are so many of them and we didn't know even how to start shopping for them, this is our gift from my family to everyone. With an affordable pool entrance fee of about a dollar per adult and less for kids, this is a lot of fun and bang for the buck. We were also inspired to give presence (we came to spend time with them) and experience (or memories that will last a lifetime). I will post photos of today's event tomorrow.

Two more things - this morning I received a text from our office informing us of a tragic and sudden death of one of our co-worker's spouse. Just the day before we all received a text from Auntie Cathy wishing all of us Merry Christmas and urging us to celebrate these moments with those we love. The next day, her husband passed away. He was just 50 plus years old. Just three weeks ago our families met during the IJM Family Day. I was happy to take a beautiful picture of Auntie Cathy, her husband and daughter. Life is a present. We must enjoy every second of it.

And lastly, my cousin gave birth to a baby girl last week. Unfortunatley, Baby Thea arrived almost two months early. So she is still in the hospital where she will hopefully become stronger every day. We will try to visit her in the next day or two.

So we celebrate life today because birth and death reminds us how precious it is. Our lives around the Manger and under the Cross also reminds me how precious we are to the Giver of Life. This is how Christ revealed Himself to me today.