Myles' First Christmas

Peter and I often think back on our Christmases we experienced in Rwanda. No trees, bright twinkling lights, smells of Christmas cookies, or Santa--just the constant sound all December of choirs rehearsing. Christmas Eve and Day all you could hear echoing off the hills in Kigali were the melodic sounds of Rwandan choirs. I'm moved even at the memory. While I delight in the decorating, baking, preparing, gift buying, and secret keeping of this season--Rwanda's Christmas memory helps me focus on Christ's birth.
Keith (our 4 year old Christmas decorator) was shocked and appalled the other day when I told him that our Christmas tree will be taken down a few days after Christmas. He said that he needs to keep his tree up in his room until Myles comes home from Rwanda. Keith feels very strongly that Myles needs to have his first Christmas with us as a family. :) Here is his tree in his room on his desk. He put the Rwandan drum and (my) baby shoe there on his own. (the tree stand is a Nursery Rhyme book) Their thoughts about their brother are completely endearing. No word from Rwanda, but we'll keep you posted! Have a Merry Christmas!!!