Merry Christmas from Mexico! Our team is currently out in the city completing the paperwork necessary to stay and minister in this country. We are enjoying the hot showers, cold drinks, and internet that go along with civilization. Besides filling out forms, we will do some canning, buy supplies, and get ready for our return to tribe. There again, we will get back into language study and being part of the community. I’m sure we will find a few spare minutes to bake some cookies and eat them. How exciting to celebrate my first Christmas in Las Moras amongst the Nahuatl. As I think of God’s message to us, I long for the day when we can communicate the GOOD news of GREAT joy that is for ALL people.
My grandfather used to write Christmas poems about what was happening in our family. This year I tried my hand at it and came up with the following version of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” I hope you enjoy it and that it gives you a glimpse of life in our village.
Corncobs roasting on a an open fire
Ashes falling to the floor
Donkeys bray…to bring in a new day
And cows leave presents near your door
Everybody knows Modelo and a roasted goat
Help to make the season bright
Barking dogs and the roosters that crow
Will make it hard to sleep tonight
We heard the airplane’s on its way
It’s bringing mail and milk and chocolate and it may
Drop off some longed-for meat in a tin can
If so we’ll have the best darn meal in the land!
And so, we offer you this simple phrase
In words we’re learning how to use
From our tribe, from our team, from our hearts:
Diosmishtashta* to you.
- *Diosmishtashta means “thank you” in Nahuatl. Thank you for your part in bringing the gospel to those who have yet to hear.
Merry Christmas!