Earlier this evening we went carol singing with a small group around the local shops. Later this evening Ruth has a service at St Ann's, while I will be driving out to St Ignacio for a service there. Then after the service, we've been invited to have a Christmas meal with the organist at St Ann's and her family. Our first midnight Christmas Dinner! Tomorrow there is a 9am service at St Ann's, after which we are free to celebrate our first Caribbean Christmas.
Last week St Ann's School had it's first Christmas Concert, with all of the children able to take part. It was slightly different from the sorts of Christmas concert we are used to in Britain - it combined the Christmas theme with a prize giving for the term's work, and a chance for the children to demonstrate some of what they had learned this term.But there was a traditional Nativity play to finish.
Thank you very much to those of you who have provided financial support to the school during this term. It has made a huge difference to the children. They now have a footpath around the school building and some children's Bibles. Local people have donated some books and toys. Fundraising has been successful and we are hoping to buy a scanner soon.
Aren't they cute?Another highlight of last week was the Concert given at St Ann's by the Belmopan Choral Society, which is led by the Church organist and in which we both sing.
This first photo is of the children's choir at a rehearsal: for the concert they were all dressed in gold, and sang wonderfully.
As you can see, the concert was very well attended - a full house. It went very well, and St Ann's Church was beautifully decorated in time for the concert a week ago.
The smaller crib was donated to the Church this year, little knowing that a member of the Belmopan Choral Society had a rather bigger stable in mind!
This is life sized, and very impressive, with local bamboo providing most of the structure, and a Garifuna drum placed conveniently for anyone who wants to celebrate the birth of the King of Kings.
The Church looks very attractive, with Christmas lights decorating the sanctuary.
We are thinking of you all and hope you all have a good Christmas. It's strange being here so far from loved ones, but we look forward to speaking to family tomorrow. Thank you for all your cards, letters, emails and prayers. It was great fun collecting a big batch of mail from the Post Office yesterday! Enjoy your celebrations - we wish you God's richest blessings. Happy Christmas and a joyous New Year!
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