Bangladesh Update #2

Hello this is my second update! Merry Christmas everyone, our team had a Christmas party on the 24th where we listened to Christmas music and decorated a ginger bread house. Then on Christmas day we had a lovely surprise, a Christmas present from our families! It was wonderful to receive these packages, it made it feel more like Christmas. Ministry has gotten under way and I am loving it so far. We have visited 3 different villages, done 2 prayer walks, and some beach ministry. The children here are my favorite part so far. They are very shy when you first meet them but once they warm up they don't leave your side. They are all so beautiful and have such joy even though they are so poor. That really hit me especially in the Christmas season, it's not about the gifts or the food it's about joy. Our team was reminded that if Christmas is all about family, then you aren't with family Christmas isn't joyful. But when you make Christmas about the real meaning, the coming of our Lord, then you an always have joy in this season no matter where you are, who you are with, or who you are missing. I pray that you would all have a wonderful Christmas season where ever you are and know that you are all on my heart as this is my first Christmas by myself. I have some crazy stories about what I've seen. Children pooping the gutters, visiting remote villages, being a celebrity, food markets with live fish and sheep heads, and eating new things (snail ashes!). I continue to thank the Father for the safety and health he has given our team. I thank you all for you love and support as I continue to shine a light in this Muslim nation. Merry Christmas to you all, Melissa