Christmas in UV.

This year we are spending Christmas in UV. It was a hard decision to make, being away from our family for the holidays but we really felt like being here for Christmas would be an interesting experience and meaningful for us and the families here in the community. The excitement is certainly building. This past week we have been attending "Posadas" which are a tradition in Latin America. A "posada" is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Each night the "posada" is at a different family's house with the procession starting at the house from the night before. Families walk to the "posada" carrying candles and a small nativity in search of a place for Mary and Joseph to stay. Upon arriving at the house the group outside calls out to those inside for permission to stay the night. At first they are turned away, then told to stay out with the animals, then once the family realizes that the baby is Jesus they open the door welcoming everyone into the house. Last night we were able to join in the celebration with our violin and mandolin. After several songs there was a time of prayer and a rather long sermon by the catacist then the family served pineapple punch and the kids shot off fireworks. Tonight will be the last "posada" and Christmas Eve or "Noche Buena" the procession will arrive in the church for a midnight mass. Christmas eve and Christmas Day we have been invited to visit several friends around the community and we will surely be making and eating lots of tomales.

We hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays! May it be a time of joy and hope for you and yours as it will be here in Union Victoria, Guatemala!