Done!

Happy Holidays!

Yesterday marked the final day of school for the first semester.  I can't believe that I am halfway done with my time here in Bolivia.  It seems like we just got here, and here we are at the Christmas holidays!  The past few weeks have been fairly busy, but there have been many opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit.  This morning I went Christmas shopping in the large market here in Cochabamba.  I had to pick up a gift for our "Secret Santa" event that will be taking place next week, and a few things for my friends.  I picked up a couple of super cute Bolivia soccer jerseys for some kids that we know, some DVD's (which are ridiculously cheap, although pirated) and my Secret Santa gift, for all around 30 dollars.  We went with a couple of our friends who are in on the Secret Santa as well, so there was some (not so) stealthy shopping for a little bit. 

I am looking forward to having some time off.  We have about 3 weeks off for Christmas break, and I really need it.  On Monday and Tuesday next week, a bunch of us single ladies are heading out for a couple days at the SIM cabin, which is on a lake outside of Coch.  You can bet there will be a lot of laying out in the sun and listening to country music, and just some overall relaxation.  On Thursday we will be celebrating Christmas with the same group, because they are all leaving to travel on Christmas Eve.  It still seems weird to be celebrating Christmas when it is like 85 degrees out, but slowly and surely I am getting into the Christmas spirit.

This past week at school we had our Christmas program, which featured some caroling by the high school students, and a pageant performed by the elementary kids.  There were some really cute moments, and the message of the play was well received.  It was fun to see my students up on the stage singing their hearts out.  Yesterday we also had a Christmas lunch as a staff.  The cafeteria was all decorated, complete with a Christmas tree, and we had a delicious meal all together.  It was fun to be together will all of the teachers and workers, and to celebrate this joyous season together.

Tonight we have a SIM Christmas party, and then we are going to get together and watch Elf.  I am excited to be celebrating the holidays in a different country with some new friends, but I still miss everyone back home.  Happy Holidays to all of you, and have a fabulous and Merry Christmas!

-Sarah