Marcel and Kelly Boers: Christmas in Africa and Other Happenings ...

Feliz Natal and Feliz Ano Novo! (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!)

This Christmas was different ... our first Christmas as a family of three, our first Christmas away from home, our first Christmas in Africa!

Thankfully, it was actually NOT as hard as I thought it would be. Maybe it was because it was a green Christmas at home too, or maybe it was because wonderful people invited us in and made it feel like home. Or maybe ... it's because Christmas isn't about snow, or Santa Claus, or traditions, or even family anyway ... it's about Christ.

For to us a child is born,    7
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

I can't admit that our minds were always on Christ this Christmas. In fact, at times they definitely wandered back to Canada, and al the lovely times we normally have with family gathered around the table, enjoying opening presents upon presents, even back to Christmas shopping ... something I don't normally enjoy, but with the lack of "Western" stores and malls here ... I admit I even missed that!

However, these last few weeks have brought a lot of glimpses of the true meaning of Christmas. For example, I (Kelly) had the opportunity to go out with a group from our church to deliver Christmas hampers to a rural village and preach the gospel. Wow ... it was so cool to be a part of a group so passionately about Jesus. Not only that, but I got a glimpse at how many Angolans live--rural, remote, and materially poor. Their Christmas was a far cry from the ones I've known--and much closer to that first Christmas than I'll probably ever know or experience.

We also had the opportunity shortly after Christmas to "get away for a few days" and camp on the beach with friends. Believe me, we felt so blessed to be able to do this and escape the city for some much needed fresh air and swimming! Though it's hard to say we're "tired" already, we have been told that recharging is a very important part of missionary life and long-term survival in a different culture. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the beach --Angola has some incredible coastline with a plethora of marine life, incredible landscapes, and virtually no other people! The highlight was definitely the snorkelling, spearfishing, and sunsets on the beach. Sigh ... but back to business now!

2016 is here, and though we don't even know half of what will come our way, there's a lot already to be excited for! A growing MAF ministry in Angola, a new teaching job, a maintenance conference in Kenya for Marcel in February, two weddings in July for Kelly, and a first birthday for Ethan!

Thank you to everyone who is consistently praying for us, or just checking in on us, saying hello via Facebook, Skype, or email! We appreciate it, and we think of you all often in our prayers and day-to-day life!

God bless your 2016, may it be a year rich with God-moments!