Dearest friends and family,
Time moves faster and faster it seems. I can’t believe I will celebrate my second Christmas in Gambia in 2 short weeks. It seems unreal. While pulling out my Christmas music to get in the mood, I stumbled across an old Steven Curtis Chapman Christmas CD. The first track is his adopted daughter Shaoey sharing the Christmas story from Luke. I found myself nearly in tears. I remember my grandfather always crying as he read the Christmas story to us. I didn’t understand then and I can’t explain now the depth of joy I felt as I listened to the Christmas story this year. God came as a helpless baby with a purpose, to give us the hope that we should share with others! The angels brought wondrous, glorious news to normal, ordinary shepherds. The great news is for everyone! How about that!? It’s something to be joyful about. It’s definitely something to share. Pray for us as we share the news here with our neighbors and co-workers in the next few weeks.
I’m happy to say that the cool part of the dry season has finally set in. Imagine the weather in October except without rain, that’s how it feels right now. I love being able to sleep under a blanket or in my sleeping bag at night and still enjoy the sunshine during the day. It is also the tourist season so I see a lot more white people than normal. This is not always a good thing. I find myself ashamed of the color of my skin when I see how some of the tourists behave. It makes me wonder how or why anyone would listen to us when we share the gospel. As they watch the tourists behave, they harden their heart against our “western” Christianity. Please also pray that we have strong church leaders who will stand up and show their fellow Gambians what Christianity is truly about.
The dry season also brings lots of celebrations. The crops are harvested, money has been earned and it’s time to share the bounty. Many babies have been born in our village and I attended 3 celebrations in one week alone during the beginning of December! It’s always lots of fun as the mother of the newborn shows off her baby and all her new dresses while greeting the guests. There is also lots of food and even dancing. You will all be happy to know that my dancing skills are improving and I happily join in whenever the music starts.
Before one of the celebrations I attended, I came to help prepare the food for the next day. While sitting around chatting with the women, I was officially “adopted” into that family. That meant I had to change my name from “Saffie Sambo” to “Saffie Bojang”. The change from “Sambo” to “Bojang” also meant I switched tribes so I’ll have to learn some Jola now! It was such a good feeling to be invited to join a family and share their name. I hope this also means that I can start sharing more of Jesus’ love with them. Be in prayer for me to take the opportunities God gives me to share His love with my family in Bojang-kunda.
I pray that your Christmas and New Years are blessed with sweet memories. Cherish the time you have with friends and family. Don’t forget to always remind one another of the greatest gift of all, Love embodied, Jesus!
Much Love in Him,
Merry Christmas!!!
Bekah
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL people. Today… a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” LUKE 2:10-11