a week of christmas

dear you,

sunday: sitting on a blanket, sprinkled with grass and ants, i ate a sizzling sausage fresh off the bbq. after some simple conversations with friends, the carols began. songs filled the warm air, a gentle breeze twirled about, and the sun began to set.

monday: it was hot, both inside and out. no real breeze, no clouds in sight. as the sun set, the people came--filling our house with familiar faces and voices. and then it began. prayers of peace, candlelight, symbolism. the smell of spiced drinks climbed up my nose as my eyes closed and my mind relaxed. thanking, praising, loving God for this special season among us.

tuesday: marinated chicken, cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, rice noodles, and sweet chili sauce filled up my rice-paper wraps. oranges, strawberries, limes filled up my drink. kiwis, strawberries, passion fruit, grapes filled up the top of my pavlova. laughter, stories, uncertainties, wishes, hopes, comments filled up my conversation. our final night together, as a team, before everyone seperated for the holidays.

wednesday: i was in the shower, ridding my skin of smells and such, when i heard the postman bang on the door. my packages finally arrived! staring at the two boxes sitting on my bed, i finally decided to open them. lots and lots of goodies and pressies filled the bed, but i just sat in awe.

thursday: right before dinner, i stood outside on the dry, brown grass waiting for santa to come my way. he travels around on the back of a ute giving lollies to kids who've been good. soon, my hands were filled with sour candy and my face was hot and flushed, so i returned back to the house for a nice summer meal on the deck. after watching carols and listening to my host sister sing along, we went to the christmas eve service. though the sun was gone, the windows were opened, and few candles filled the room, the heat was unreal for 11 p.m. but there we sat, listening, singing, praying as christmas day made it's entrance.

friday: after the morning service at church, we returned home to await the arrival of their family. once my host dad's parents and sister came over, we opened our pressies and ate a delicious meal consisting of ham, turkey, and all the fixin's. it rained all day. 500 ml in all. we watched movies throughout the evening, and ate more snacks than we should've. but it was great, for it was christmas.

saturday: a walk to the shops to hire out two movies and pick up some food occupied an hour of my afternoon. but a skype conversation with the family back home gladly filled the rest of my space before dinner. afterwards, my hair was straightened by my sister's friend as we watched the nativity story.

sunday: the service was small and fairly informal, as the majority were gone for the holidays. upon returning to my home sweet home, i unpacked, unwound, and slept the late afternoon away. and here i sit, listening to the drizzle of rain, creeking of crickets, and buzzing of the fridge. in less than 6 hours, i'll be resting atop my fireplace in indiana, watching my family unwrap their gifts.

belated happy christmas from the girl in canberra.

sincerely,
shae