Christmas Greetings from a windy and wintery Ooty!
( I wrote this blog a few days before Christmas, but just now posted it. Better late than never?)
The spattering of rain just drove the kids inside and I can hear them wildly bargaining over Settlers on the livingroom rug. Morgan and Charlie (Chana's brother), are wrestling in between strategic moves of building roads and houses.
( I wrote this blog a few days before Christmas, but just now posted it. Better late than never?)
The spattering of rain just drove the kids inside and I can hear them wildly bargaining over Settlers on the livingroom rug. Morgan and Charlie (Chana's brother), are wrestling in between strategic moves of building roads and houses.
The noise levels are deafening, raucous and delighted. Heidi (my sister in-law) presides over everything, with her calm diplomatic British voice, soothing the torrents of competition. In the end, she won victory over all her opponents, and celebrated with a victory war dance.
Rachael and her cousin Chana are busily experimenting with gingerbread cookies, and “Mom, can you use oil in place of shortening?” And in the midst of all the flurry (who needs a blizzard?) I am writing, with my laptop in the center of everything, absorbing the delicious smells of the baking gingerbread and pumpkin soup bubbling on the stove.
The house is decked out, thanks to the Freedom Firm Christmas party that threw us all into a tailspin of activity, cutting Cypress boughs and trimming the spiral staircase and the fireplace hearth. Games, and presents and a lovely mix of Indian and Western specialties put us all in the mood. Today, after lunch, we will venture forth and look for all those little gifts that are “just right” for each person. Its coming fast, Christmas. And this year, as usual its about family, and the extended family, togetherness, a sense of belonging and yes, tradition.
I was contemplating this morning on the many religions surrounding us here in these hills of Ooty, South India. Christianity, Islam and Hinduism, Buddism. All the faiths infused with a multitude of festivals, celebrations and special holy days. Christ's way was one of love, not judgement. Mercy, not fear. Giving, not taking. Healing, not wounding. Refocusing on the meaning of Christmas allows it to be a fresh, beautiful holiday, not about what we can get, but celebrating the Greatest Giver and Lover of all time.
A merry merry Christmas to all of you. As always we are deeply grateful for the part you play in encouraging our work, our family and our faith.
Blessings,
Mala and Greg Malstead
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