November 30, 2007

Merry Christmas and happy New Year from Jamaica,

As I write, Christmas decorations abound with many lights, sales, ads on television, just like home. Of course, when we sing about “Frosty the Snowman” or “Winter Wonderland,” it takes on a different character altogether. It will not snow here unless a true miracle happens, but everyone can dream. Many Jamaicans do go to Canada, England, or the United States for Christmas, so they have a much better chance of having the “White Christmas” we have been hearing on the radio.

The churches are all busy with Christmas programs and decorations, as are the schools. On December 18, we will have our Iona Prep School Christmas program at Immanuel United Church. As the music teacher, I am to plan it and teach all the songs, etc. It is a large undertaking, as my music classes are just finishing a dinner and program, but it is fun and a blessing also. This is just one more opportunity to teach and explain more of the Christmas story.

I wish you could be here when we have class discussion on the meaning and significance of Christmas. It is exciting to hear a child tell the story of Jesus’ birth and why we celebrate it, but it is a true blessing to watch the eyes of a child who has no idea Christmas is that celebration. They may know all about Jesus, believe, and worship, but have yet to put it all together. This happens more with my smaller children, but being in Jamaica, most of them know the story and tell it with joy and many different variations.

This year we are a very diverse school, with several children who are Muslim and two who have parents of the Jewish faith. This has given us all yet more opportunity to present our faith through our lessons and preparations for Christmas and our program. We teach respect for all beliefs and our motto is ”With God All things are possible.” As the music and art teacher I have tremendous opportunity to incorporate Jesus Christ into my lessons and discussions. Our program will offer a secular section and a larger portion devoted to the story of the birth of Jesus. I feel privileged to not only have the freedom to do so, but for that to be my purpose and goal as my job dictates.

On December 31, 2007, half of my stay here in Jamaica will be over. This is hard to believe in some ways. As I prepare for Christmas, I reflect on all that has happened and look forward to the next year. I wish for each of you a blessed Christmas filled with love and reflection.

In the belief that “with God all things are possible,”

Vicki

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 266