The Christmas tree is still up and so are all the decorations.  The gifts have all been open and are strewn all over the living room floor or under the furniture.  We are bathing in the afterglow of a delightful Christmas and Advent season.
It was definitely different this year celebrating in a Muslim country where there is virtually no Christmas hype (except for the Coca-Cola billboards with Santa Claus on them).  It was nice not being bombarded and pressured to get the perfect gift, shop here, on sale, spend, spend, spend.  But in a way, there was too little reminders of the Christmas season–no Christmas lights on houses, no Christmas music playing, hardly any carols sung.

We did have some decorative lights in the old town part of Sarajevo–in celebration of Kurban Bajram and there was lots of sheep too (but that’s an entirely different post for another time).

Rob’s parents, Alan and Dianne, were here for 2 weeks and Rob’s brother and sister-in-law, Josh and Jennie came for 4 days–and what a wonderful time we had.  It was really special to have them with us–especially after the downer of having our car stolen.  They brought with them not only gifts but much joy, laughter, and fun times.
I could go on and on, but I think that it’d be better to show you in pictures.  We hope you enjoyed your Christmas.  Thanks again for your prayers and encouraging emails–we are so honored to have you as friends.