Belfast Christmas and 2011 wrap-up

Christmas has come and gone over here in Belfast and we've certainly enjoyed every minute of it. As I reflect on the past few days, I'm reminded of the words in the Charlie Brown Christmas song "Christmas Time Is Here."

Christmas time is here
we'll be drawing near;
Oh that we could always see
such spirit through the year.

Keeping the family tradition of Christmas Eve oyster stew alive!

Such spirit through the year. Ah, that would be wonderful. But as this blog will show you, we've received the hospitality our whole time here in Belfast. Christmas wasn't anything especially new because people have been going above and beyond for us our whole time here so far. In light of that, THANK YOU! It's been a great first four months and that is due to all of the people we've been working with and in contact with at Woodvale Methodist, the 174 Trust, and Whitehouse Presbyterian. And thank you to Doug, Elaine, the staff at the YAV office back home, and all of the other YAVs in Belfast and around the world for the support that you've provided.

Ellison and I in the kitchen at YAV Christmas

Some of the highlights of the first four months have been mentioned on the blog already, i.e. the numerous lessons learned at the 174 parent/toddler group. But other memorable moments would include any time Pat (the do-it-all guy at the 174) has said something ridiculous and I've jotted it down in my notebook. For example, "He's about as useful as a one-legged man in an arse kicking competition." I'd also have to include the time with our newly formed young adult group at Woodvale. We've had many tough discussions that have brought us all closer together and have even made time to go bowling and do some outreach. Last week, on the 23rd, we took soup and bread over to the fold (a type of elderly housing) that is next to the church to share a meal with residents and sing carols and visit. It was an effort by the group to look beyond ourselves this Christmas season and give something that we normally wouldn't. I pray that we continue such a spirit of giving through the year.



Josh visiting and sharing a cup of tea

One of the not-so-scared kids at the party

At the Christmas party for the parent/toddler group at Woodvale I dressed up as Tigger. I'm not sure who decided this or why it was decided but someone thought the kids would like Tigger at the Christmas party. Well, the kids liked the idea of Tigger. They didn't like Tigger himself. As I held children for parents to take pictures, the majority of the kids cried. I scared more kids than I would like to admit but when Tigger left the party, many of them were asking where he went. Like I said, they liked the idea of Tigger but not the big orange guy himself. The experience made me quite glad I don't work at Disney World.

One of the yearly Christmas traditions at Woodvale is a Christmas ball. You put on your best attire and come for a wonderful three course meal and then get your dancing shoes on for a bit of fun. We had a wonderful time at the ball and, staying true to Wyoming form, even did the Cotton-Eyed Joe. That's right, the song was magically on the iPod that was being used to play the music and I found it on there. Thus, we taught Woodvale how to dance Wyoming style. I'll upload the video later as the try to so far as resulted in 12 hours of waiting.

Thanks again to everyone who made Christmas and the first four months over here so great. Now, may we strive to show the spirit of Christmas all year in 2012! Happy New Year!