First Christmas in Peru

For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given and the government will be upon his shoulders and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9 v 6)
Williamson Christmas Photo 2008 complete with Toy weasel and cool shades.


Our friends Paul and Rachel Elliston, staying with us for Christmas


Rudolf and Santa by the tree



new flashing toothbrush

sparkly Christmas outfit

homemade Christmas Crackers

went for a walk after Christmas dinner to see the lamas




Well the Williamsons have spent their first Christmas in Peru. It is very different here with much less hype and build up and the hot weather also feels very odd but the message of Christmas is the same everywhere in the world and as we have missed loved ones and reflected on what it really is all about it has been a good reminder to us that it is all about Jesus. We enjoyed singing happy birthday to Jesus and the children have been busy acting out the nativity story.
On Christmas eve we attended a lovely church service after which there was a chocolotada, the traditional serving of hot chocolate and paneton. At midnight on Christmas eve fireworks and firecrackers were let off and the neighbours all greeted each other in the street. Dec 24th is the day when Peruvians celebrate Christmas, but being typically British we actually celebrated on the 25th. We have our friends Paul and Rachel staying with is for a couple of weeks they are midtermers with BMS World Mission and are working in Chincha helping people rebuild their homes after the Earthquake last year. We missed not having a Christmas morning church service but Paul and Scott went to church in the evening at 6pm and Rachel and Anjanette stayed with the children and read the Christmas story at home.
We have received loads of cards greetings and presents thankyou everyone!!!! Despite us not having a chimney Father Christmas did manage to visit and after a lovely Christmas meal we went out in the afternoon to show Paul and Rachel Cayma Mirador. On Boxing day we had a picnic and Sabadia Mill and then later we were guests at a Barbeque hosted by some of our friends from Latin link. Thankyou for praying for us , although feeling homesick we feel upheld in prayer and have been so touched and blessed by the effort many people have made to show God's love to us this Christmas time.