Christmas Eve and Day in Sierra Leone

So Christmas Eve we enjoyed a beautiful Christmas dinner

(only missing my mum's roast parsnips) with the Mercy Ships family all together.

Shared a few gifts and enjoyed the Christmas tree....

Then late in the evening, after many a mince pie and mulled wine, we had a Candlelight Service.

Always time for a little Christmas drama.....

We spent time celebrating, singing carols and

remembering the wonderful gift that Jesus was and is to this broken world we live in.

Only God could make a way out of our brokeness, and that He did by sending His Son

Jesus - He saves,

Immanuel - God with us.

He descended deep so we could ascend high.

He created our life in His image, He gave us life through redemption......

He IS our LIFE.

Christmas morning was spent talking with friends and family on Skype

- SO thankful for internet.

Then off to the beach!!

We headed to River No. 2 beach. With a lovely warm day, plenty of food to snack on and fantastic friends we had a wonderful day....

We sat on the sand as the sun set over the waters. Yes we missed family and many of our normal Christmas traditions, but we celebrated in the natural beauty of the the creator of this world, the creator of us, and the giver of life.

May you all know Jesus' peace, joy and love at this time.