We’re Dreaming of . . . . Christmas

We are trying hard to get into the spirit of Christmas but it isn’t easy. We are just mixed up. No cold weather, no shopping to do, no Carols playing on the radio, no Christmas cards, no lights on any houses, no live Christmas trees, no Christmas movies on TV, no chance to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life”, no presents to wrap, no surprises or activities to plan, and no family! See? How could it be Christmas???

There are signs that tell me some people are preparing for the big day. The malls are decorated and crowded and we saw a friendly Santa visiting with children last Saturday.

There are wreaths on the office walls announcing the season and there is a tree in the entry area. BYU TV (which we thankfully receive) is playing Christmas programs and the Seniors keep having socials to celebrate together.

But all these symbols still can’t seem to stir the bubbly spirit I usually feel inside by now.

I finally put up a little tree on Sunday afternoon and I have my Tabernacle Choir CD’s playing. We were watching a Christmas special on Sunday and we took a picture of the snowy scenes while the choir sang White Christmas. That helped.

I have acquired two nativities, one from Uganda and one from Zambia. They are very simple and as I set the little figures in place the quiet, reverent feelings that the season always brings easily surface.

Our gratitude for the birth of Jesus Christ is expanding even more as we see the blessings that come into the lives of those who turn their hearts to Him. Yes, we are missing the traditions and activities of Christmas at home, but as others are doing all around the world, we are celebrating His birth and are grateful to be here because, after all, TIA . . . This is Africa

Soweto Maternity Hospital Visit

On November 26, Sister Parmley took a group of Senior Sisters to the Soweto Maternity Hospital to give baby blankets to the mothers who had just given birth. These are women who have no money or very little, and are allowed to have their babies but not stay long. After the delivery they are able to stay in the hospital from 4 to 6 hours. If the babies are in special need the mothers can stay with them in the hospital until they can be released.

Some of the sister missionaries had made the blankets and another had received a suitcase full when her son visited earlier that month that had been donated by her home ward. It was an experience I won’t soon forget.

Sister Jan Taylor and Sister Denise Heap (Medical doctor's wife) opening one of the boxes.

Sister Jan Taylor (husband is Auditor) with some of the women getting checked in.
We don't know if this is a couple or father and daughter, but they were checking her in. She is wearing a hospital issue sack sort of gown and holding her blanket.
Sister Ann Koelliker (husband is counselor in Area Presidency) and Sister Wells

Sister Jolene Watson (Elder Watson is a counselor in Area Presidency) with some of the new moms.
After blankets were given to these mothers they held them up for a picture. The women are admitted to the hospital and are delivered by a midwife or by a doctor if a C-section is needed.

Sister Parmley, Sister Wells, and Sister Sutterfield (standing in the back center) with beautiful newborns.

These mothers are getting their babies dressed and will be released soon. Sadly we were told that sometimes a woman who has no other choice will simply leave her baby on the lawn as she leaves the hospital.

Some of the sweet little ones. The little hat on the one below is part of her new gift of blanket and hat.



This baby was well dressed; maybe the outfit was a gift or maybe the mom was a little better off than the others.

The mothers were sweet and appreciative and we gave 150 blankets that day. I left moved and grateful for the blessing of care and attention my own daughters receive as they are able to give birth in our lovely hospitals at home. And yet I felt grateful that these women at least have medical attention and someplace to go when they have so little resources. Another powerful insight into the place we live -- TIA (this is Africa)