After our adventure to Cotonou it sure feels good to be back in our Bembereke home. It is hard to explain the degree of culture shock we experienced going from rural Africa to an African city, but needless to say it was quite unexpected! During our pit stop in Parakou on our way to Cotonou Charity said, “I didn’t know we were becoming African hicks!” We successfully submitted our visa papers (thank you to all of you who were praying!), and also enjoyed some time exploring the city and visiting with some friends. we travelled back by taxi, and due to the car breaking down the journey took 11 hours rather than 8, but at least it was much more comfortable than the bus.
This evening I sit by our ornamental fireplace, filled with candles for Christmas, and having lit the candles and listening to Christmas music, I finally have that Christmas feeling! The anticipation is building to experience Christmas Beninois-style, which no doubt will be different in many ways from the Christmas that I have grown up with. Our festivities will commence tomorrow evening as the entire village gathers in the hospital’s Salle de Fete to celebrate. Martha, Katrin, Charity, and I will be contributing to the program with our rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing....
To all of my friends and family, wherever you are, however you will be celebrating, I wish you all a very merry Christmas!!
