The Christmas Parade and Christmas

A week ago Saturday we spent the morning in town, shopping at a farmer’s market and running errands, and started on our way home. We were about two thirds of the way when we saw police lights and slow vehicles. We realized something was going on and then spied a pick-up truck that was all decorated and full of teenagers, many whom are my students. There were a few cars in the line-up but it was apparent that this pick-up was the main attraction. After we passed them we decided to pull over and see what the fuss was about. We pulled into a grassy area where a bus was parked. Out of nowhere some fifty kids came running and squealing with their bags in tow. They knew the truck was coming and they were ready. As the pick-up passed, the teens threw handfuls of hard candy at the kids on the street. Some they didn’t even take out of the bag – just threw the bag! The kids scrambled, grabbing as much candy as they could get their hands on. We got back in our car and now we were behind the entourage again, driving at about 5 mph. But it was entertaining because it didn’t matter who was on the road – one person or a dozen, young or old – the candy was hurled. And if you looked like a worker they threw bottled water at you! Eventually we were allowed to pass again so we hurried to the house and stood outside for our turn. Because I know several of them we were showered with more than our fair share. We called the kids who were across the street to collect the loot! Below are the pictures.

Today is Christmas. Nate is here and that makes us very happy. We got up and exchanged gifts; it was a little weird not having a tree and it being 80 degrees outside. We had a slow morning and got ready to go to church around noon. We were told that all sorts of groups from the outer islands would come to Majuro and go from church to church performing all day long and we were excited to see them. We had a taste of the dancing a few weeks ago when the juniors performed a biit dance for the school’s holiday show and loved it. So off we went, passing church after church and not hearing the whistling that goes with the biit dancing. At that point we decided to show Nate one end of the island he had yet to see and by the time we came back Willard was hungry. I was surprised to find anything open but there was a Chinese restaurant that is run by the family of one of my students that was open for business and so we had a nice lunch. Then back to find a church. There were a ton of kids in groups with different colored shirts outside of one of the Assembly of God churches so we decided that was the one. It turns out it was an hour and a half of Sunday School Program and then there was some dancing. Unfortunately it was never as good as the dance my students performed. Nate was patient but told us not to “stick around on account of me.” After three hours we decided we’d try again next year. When we passed some of the churches we’d checked out at noon we saw a lot of activity and heard the whistles. Next year we will stay home until 4:00 or 5:00 and then head out. Live and Learn!

Merry Christmas to all of you – Love, Becky

Racing for the candy!

 

This is right outside our house - they're almost here!





Here we are in the Chinese restaurant in front of a fake banana tree. I am wearing a wut that was a gift from a student and her family





The Catholic church decorated these trees by covering them with aluminum foil