Henshaw Happenings: Celebrating Christmas Abroad

We have only been in Uganda 2 weeks, but there is a lot to get used to. A LOT. Everything is different. Sometimes vastly different and sometimes just a tiny bit different. But different.

This year we will be celebrating Christmas away from friends and family in a foreign country. It'll be different. Which is ok. Different isn’t bad. It’s just different. I could spend my thoughts and energies focusing on the different. That would be exhausting and discouraging. I could be frustrated by the differences. I could. But I’m trying really hard to accept what’s different and work within it.

Before we left the U.S. my sweet friend Christina gave me a bunch of Christmas crafty things to bring to Uganda. I had found a few things too. Gearing up for Christmas in shorts, t-shirts, and sandals is a whole new experience for us. But we are making the most of it and creating some fun new memories, as well as enjoying some traditions we have created as a family.

decorating our Charlie Brown Christmas tree

Making a Gingerbread House

Creating ornaments to place around the house

Some crafts and activities still to come

An absolute HIGHLIGHT every morning for the kids

Regardless of all the change. Regardless of the temperature outside. Regardless of our geographic location. Regardless if we have plenty or find ourselves in want. Regardless of it all…we know who we celebrate this Christmas season.

“Then the angel of the Lord appeared, ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said.

‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all the people.

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born

today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby

wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12