Tuesday Advent-ures

It's a good thing I'm feeling rested and adjusted from the jetlag of an 8 hr. and 15 min. transatlantic flight, because yesterday was a marathon day of three fun-, friend-, and faith-filled Advent activities.  

1. Dominican ladies' Christmas brunch

Jamielynn hosted the DR missionary women, girls, and seminary wives for a festive morning of fellowship and way too much food. I brought ponche (eggnog) and homemade cinnamon rolls, which I intended to bring already decorated, but no water at my temporary apartment and a longer-than-expected bake time had me frazzled so I finished icing them after our meal prayer. 

L to R: me, Becca, Jamielynn, Liz, Olivia, and Cheryl. 

2. 2nd Annual MK Christmas party

Tirzah continued a tradition Courtney started last year and invited all the missionary kids over for two hours of merry- (and mess-) making. A few neighbor kids from her apartment building came, too! There were stations for coloring, a craft (mini pompom hats made out of TP tubes and yarn), cookie decorating, and a showing of the movie Klaus.

Jamielynn (right) and I were her Christmas elves. 

There were a LOT of cookies left over by the time the kids lost interest in decorating and went off to watch the movie. Challenge accepted!

3. English Advent service

LAC's regional chaplain, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Naumann, has been leading English language midweek services throughout Advent, on Tuesdays so that we can all participate in our local churches' Spanish language services on Wednesdays. During Advent and always, 'tis good to hear God's Word and praise His name in one's heart language. 

    Lord God, we praise You that You comforted Your people with the promise of a Redeemer. We praise You that in the fullness of time You sent Your Son as the Redeemer. We praise You that You give promise that You will send Him to us again to judge the world in righteousness.

    Open our hearts to receive our Redeemer now as He comes to us in Word and Sacrament. Open our eyes in awareness of His rule in our lives by His grace. 

    Make Advent a blessing to us as we welcome our King in faith and love. We lift up our heads to welcome Him anew. Fill us with gladness as He comes to us. Amen. 

--"Advent," Lutheran Book of Prayer, pg. 55

Until next time, Advent blessings!