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December 29, 2006

Christmas in Gorom-Gorom

A few photos for you of Christmas day in Gorom-Gorom:
1. Church celebration. Christmas in Gorom is a Christian celebration, and it starts with a service at church on the evening of the 24th. No tinsel, no Slade, no fir trees, no crackers, no heap of expensive presents. But a joyful celebration of the coming of the Son of God.
2. The Christmas family photo. These are the 14 people who officially live in our yard – me with Seydou and Moumouni and their wives, children and a few extras.

3. Carving the Christmas joint. As usual, a sheep was dispatched for the celebrations, with bits shared with neighbours, and the head kept for Boxing Day.
4. Serving dinner. Oli, back from college, helps out with serving dinner.

5. Work carries on. Most of the brick-makers and other workers for the houses we are building for the flood victims, are Muslims. Their festival is Tabaski on 30th Dec, so they were keen to keep working on the 25th to earn money for their own celebration.
6. Church dance. Back to church for a meal together, and an exuberant dance, with the drums thumping out a joyful, passionate call to celebrate.

7. Silent Night. At the end of the day, after the celebrations, everyone retires early because of the cold, and Gorom-Gorom becomes still.

May 2007 be a peaceful year for us all. May you know the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came that we might know the full meaning of life.

Posted by Keith at December 29, 2006 07:21 PM