Christmas Party

It wouldn't be Christmas without a Christmas Party and today we got to spend the afternoon with our Embassy community at the Ambassador's residence. It is always fun to watch Alex at these events, even though patience is not her strong suit. Candy and deserts everywhere, tons of presents under the tree...who can blame her? When Santa came in her eyes lit up and she couldn't have been happier to see him! It was hard for her to wait her turn, but with a little help from Luke she got up to the front of the line and climbed on his lap. It is so fun to watch Christmas through the eyes of a child. The rest of us enjoyed it as well, getting to catch up with friends and watch the excitement of the little ones. Becca and Drake were of great help by helping many of the younger ones with the crafts.   It is fun to see just how down to earth people are and that we really are all the same, no matter what our position. I am thankful to be having this experience with my family and to be celebrating this Christmas season in this beautiful country. (Though some snow would be nice!)

Roma Village Visit

Today our family was blessed to be able to visit a Roma village outside Ljubljana and share Christmas with them. Our Embassy organized an opportunity for the Embassy community to take them donated food and clothing and toys and have a party with them. There were probably 18 or so children and as many adults that came. They knew we were coming and we were greeted with a great reception. We started our party with activities, making pipe cleaner and bead necklaces, cutting paper snowflakes, and playing with play dough. It seemed to be such a treat for them and some of the boys even enjoyed learning how to make paper snowflakes. They also made a large paper chain which we used along with the snowflakes to decorate their community room. We passed out American cupcakes complete with frosting and sprinkles which the kids gobbled down. We concluded with a large Congo line type dance that reminded me very much of our days in Peru. Roma is the official name for what I (ashamedly) previously would have called gypsies. These particular Roma do not move around, but have settled in this area in their rural villages. The one we visited today has electricity and a small community building with toys and books for the children and heat. Their homes are very small and basic with some in small trailers. This is not the only Roma village and I understand some do not live as well as these. The Roma have not assimilated well into society and are very much ostracized here. We are hoping we can make this a more routine thing and continue to share with them and reach out to the younger generation and encourage education in order to break the cycle they are in. I personally was reminded how much God desires for us to love on those around us, especially the ones that may feel unloved and forgotten, to be His hands and feet here on Earth. I also couldn't help but wonder what they were thinking about Alex and her darker complexion. The Roma are a darker complexion than Slovenes and Alex is darker than the Roma are. I pray that somehow it got translated to them who she was and that her adoption story is a picture to them of God's love and redemption. He sees and loves those who society may forget or ignore. I pray that our family can carry that message in wherever we go during our time stationed here.