La Noche Buena

Here, Christmas Eve is much more celebrated than actual Christmas, just another thing to add to the list with heat, humidity, fireworks, Spanish, and a surrogate family to turn the holiday upside down. Last night, in Santa Cruz, at a candlelight service in the International Church, over one hundred ex-patriots from all over the city gathered for a bit of nostalgia. Whether they've lived here for 30 years, or merely four months like me, it seemed comforting to sing Christmas songs in English, to have a bit of home so far away from "normal."

This church, similar to my Bolivian national church in Cochabamba, had a bit of an American Idol episode for a Christmas service. As everyone took their turn "performing" and every possible technical and transitional difficulty interrupted the program I was struck by the irony that I've spent the last four years working in churches where excellence is the minimum standard, and now it's odd and a little refreshing to leave the snow machines and perfection behind for a simplicity, and almost innocence that reminds me somewhat of a Christmas in Whoville.

As we greeted other gringos over Christmasy treats after the service in English, I started to miss Spanish a bit. But that longing was soon satisfied as we made our way over to Taliti Cumi, the orphanage to share a fiesta with the kids. Apart from home, I can't think of a better place to spend my favorite moments of the year than with kids who have so little, but an overabundance of love to share.

This Christmas morning, as the war of fireworks continues to subside, but before the rush of festivities begins, I can't help but feel peaceful and content. In the absence of a mountain of presents and a swarm of giddy family, it might even be easier to recognize the true meaning of this birthday celebration.

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" -2 Corinthians 9:15