Christmas Pictures

For a few days we stayed in a villa in N'gaparou, Senegal for Christmas.  It was a nice break to get away.  A large number of people from school flew back to the states and it was good for us to get away and not dwell on missing family and being sad during the holidays.  N'gaparou is a small town but popular with the European crowd.  It's the first time my kids have ever had a non cold Christmas.  Believe it or not we really missed the cold and snow.  I know cry me a river right?  But it just did not seem like Christmas to us, but for that matter neither did Thanksgiving.  I guess we will either get used to it or we just won't have a real holiday feel until we go back to the states.

Anyway....

Santa was at a Grocery Store in Saly, Senegal.  The man really is everywhere isn't he? 

-notice the rope holding the pillow on, and socks 

Carter and Mike playing lacrosse on the beach.  As you can imagine it drew lots of attention.

 Family pictures are very rare for us, I'm always the one behind the camera.

 This little shack straight ahead is actually a restaurant.  I ordered their couscous meal and it's a Christmas Eve dinner our family will never forget (as much as they may try to :)

 I have no idea everything that was in here just know there was a lot of different fish but other then that? who knows??

 Look at how sweet, Regan is trying to put on a brave smile

 Carter was very very excited to try a true Senegalese seafood meal.

Christmas Day present for Mike left alone to read with his bread, water, peanuts (in the bottle) and a book.  He couldn't have been happier.  Promise that's a smile for him!  :)

I love my family!!

Monroe's Christmas present was to ride a horse on the beach.  She loved it !

My Christmas gift from Mike and the kids was to take me back to the restaurant where we went on the safari so I could eat with the monkeys.  I loved it!!! 

***For those wondering about Carter and Regan's gifts they all got some clothes (so exciting :) and we had a team scheduled to fly from the states on January 3rd.  I bought some items for the kids and had the team bring them over.  I had Mike print out pictures of them and the kids had to go on a scavenger hunt to find their presents.  They have been very excitedly waiting on the presents. But, as I write this January 5th the team has arrived but the 4 suitcases full of food and their Christmas gifts have not arrived yet.  Please keep us in your prayers for patience, understanding and to always remember what the true meaning of Christmas is all about !  2013 has been an incredible year.  When we entered the year I never thought we would be missionaries in Africa.  God is incredible and he has such a journey for each of us and we are so blessed that he has chosen us to take on this mission.  Thank you to all of you who continue to help us through financial and prayer support.  We couldn't be here without you and Gods support and love.  

God Bless!