Jungle Bells

Jungle Bells, Jungle Bells, is what our kids were singing this year during the Christmas season.  Christmas here is a little different compared to being at home in the States.  For instance, the weather.  It was a cool 72 degrees here in the jungles of Belize on Christmas day and we had pajama pants on with socks!  Our television had a virtual fireplace that looked like a real fire and even made crackling noises!  Obviously these are just a few of the funny memories that the kids and Travis and I will remember of our Christmases in Belize.

 
 We have been on Christmas break for 3 weeks now, and school will begin this Monday (Thank Goodness)!  Our break began with a trip from my (Liz's) parents, and nephews, and a friend from our home church.  Our time with them was blessed, but as usual the time flew by.  The cousins were a surprise to the kids, so as you can imagine J.T. and Isabelle were thrilled, not only to have their grandparents, but their cousins as well.  We enjoyed having ALL of them and were sad to see them go :(

 

Christmas day was VERY relaxed for us and we were able to have a few of our Belizean friends over to visit. We had the Mangar family over for breakfast and the Tanner Family for dinner.  It was such an enjoyable time to sit and talk without being rushed to head over to another house, as we would be doing in the states.  Christmas here is VERY relational and about family.  While talking to the Mangar's during breakfast, we were comparing Christmas in the states and Christmas in Belize.  The Belizean people always amaze me and touch my heart at how important others are.  They are continually placing others before themselves.  They stop whatever they are doing and can sit and just enjoy the company of friends and family.  For them, Christmas as a child was knowing that on Christmas Day they would get a whole Coke to themselves and an apple.  This was excitement for them as children.  Now being adults, they said that most Belizeans stay home, always have food and everyone goes around and visits.  This does not matter if you are family or just a friend stopping by once a year.  Everyone is welcomed into your home and you enjoy the company. How easily we forget what the real meaning of Christmas is.

Now with the New Year here we are running full speed ahead....well...more like we are being pushed full speed ahead!  Our holiday break has come to an end and school will begin on Monday.  We would appreciate your prayers. Beginning school after a long break can be difficult but  we have a team arriving tomorrow as well.  We hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and pray that the New Year would be full of the LORD'S blessings!

The Jackson 4

 

A little more of our Holiday

Teacher Christmas Dinner/Party

 

All School Christmas Lunch