The Grinch is in the House

So I am having a rough week...I think that is why I have been avoiding writing.  I don't want it to seem like whining, just having a tough time right now.  It's funny, it usually makes me crazy that the decorations are out at Target before Halloween, but I have found myself turning corners at Nakumatt (our grocery store) and looking for gaudy bows and reams of wrapping paper and there are none.  I miss that.  I miss the shopping malls with the packed parking lots.  I miss the cookie exchanges that I moan and groan about having to bake for.  I miss the aisles of Christmas candy and junk you swear you will never buy but you do.  I miss snow.  I miss my friends.  I miss my family.  They say overseas moves have high peaks and low valleys.  I think I'm gonna need to start climbing that mountain again because I seem to be down at the bottom right now.  Never fear, my jolly-ness will return.

Seth  has been working with a Swedish man here at the Embassy and he and his wife invited our family over to their home last night for a dinner party.  It was the night the Swedes celebrate St. Lucia.  According to tradition, December 13th is the longest night of the year, the Swedish Winter's Solstice (contrary to what we believe is Dec. 21st).  We were told a fantastic story of women wearing candles on their heads, walking to neighbor's homes, to bring light in a time of darkness.  Some believed that this was to keep away the ghosts during the longest and darkest night of the year, other Swedes associate the holiday with WWII--bringing light during a time of darkness.  It was a beautiful, warm night last night and we were all sitting out on the veranda when up the path, in the darkness, came 10 young girls dressed in white gowns with red sashes, carrying candles.  They were students from the Swedish School in Nairobi.  They performed several songs for us.  It was beautiful. I was so glad and honored to be there for that special night.  It made me realize that even though Seth and I can't be home for Christmas this year, we can start our own traditions with Claire that will still make the holidays special for us. 

As I sit here thinking of all of you, I wish you more light than darkness this holiday season.  We are sending lots of hugs and love your way during the holiday.  Now go drive around for an hour to find a parking space at the mall, wait in line for what seems like forever to buy junk you didn't intend to buy, love on your family and laugh with your friends...and think of me!  Merry Christmas, everyone!