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Saturday, December 27, 2008

In Praise of Boxing Day

Being a proper former British protectorate . . . we celebrate Boxing
Day on the 26th. It is a wonderful tradition, both in theory and in
practice. In theory, it is the feast day of St. Stephen, the first
martyr. He is given the day closest to that of Jesus himself, in
honor of his foundational sacrifice: December 26th. And the
tradition was for a box to be put in the church on that day for
offerings to be distributed to the poor. In the 21rst century, since
we spend half the day in church on Christmas, there is no longer a
service on the 26th. But this year one of the enterprising and
energetic CSB grads, who has been befriended by many of the
missionaries here, A. N., spent weeks drumming up support for the
concept of a children's day on the 26th. He got 8 churches involved,
and since I was so glad someone ELSE was providing entertainment and
instruction, Bible stories, songs, and games, and of course lunch, for
several hundred kids, I ended up contributing heavily to the budget
before hand, then just dropped in to see kids in traditional grass
skirts dancing, and everyone smiling, and left. Thus fulfilling the
spirit of the day.

Which allowed us to enjoy Boxing Day in practice. After non-stop
cooking and celebrating, guests and events, it is a deep inhale day.
Quiet. We had only a few visitors, and none who wanted anything from
us, just greeting (!). We drank coffee on the patio, played ping pong
and a little friendly soccer. Jack and Julia entertained Naomi and
Quinn by transforming the front room into a lego world for hours.
Simple meals, family time, peace, rest. This kind of day is a RARITY
in Bundibugyo, and therefore all the more precious. It was great.

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