Thursday night is our date night, which means it is my favorite night of the week! I only have a few minutes to write this update before we go out so here is my best attempt to give you a brief overview of December.

1. In Ghana the day before Christmas break is called “Our Day.” Traditionally, on this day the Ghanaian children bring in their favorite meal and participate in what we would call a pot-luck lunch. Brett tried to fuse their traditions with ours and made a fun filled Christmas program for the kids to enjoy.

First, Brett conducted chapel where everyone sang Christmas hymns. After the singing Brett had Gideon Akans narrate the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2 while several students acted out the parts of Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, ect. Chapel ended with Brett praying for lunch after which we headed up to the “canteen” area.

Next we enjoyed lunch.

After a hearty lunch Brett led the students in a series of games which included charades, musical chairs, tug-of-war, and more.

All in all, I think the kids really enjoyed their day! To see pictures of the FBA Christmas party press here.

2. Brett has been really spoiled with fantastic helpers in his school so he decided to have all of his staff over to our house for a little Christmas party. Every staff member was encouraged to bring a date.

Rhoda, my helper in the house, prepared fried rice and chicken for our meal. After dinner we played some games and Brett expressed how thankful he was for each and every member of his staff. We gave all of them a 2011 planner as a small gift of our gratitude for them.

On a side note, during our “Christmas Bingo Game” Brett had to describe several of the pictures to the Ghanaians including but not limited to: Snowman, mistletoe, elf, and reindeer.

To view pictures of the FBA staff Christmas party click here.

3. This was our 4th Christmas in Africa and for me the best one yet. Not only did Brett spoil me to death with presents but both the boys were old enough to really enjoy Christmas morning.

On Christmas Eve we went to a school within walking distance of our house and just played. We tried to play basketball but the hoops were long gone and the backboards were falling down. Then we came home to cool off by enjoying the slip-and-slide. It was about 95 degrees on Christmas so the slip-and-slide was very appropriate to play with. After dinner the boys got to open their gift from Great Grandpa and Grandma Campbell. They sent us some money to get some gifts and we found fantastic super hero pajamas at a local hotel. They put on their outfits in time to be able to Skype with both sets of grandparents. We really enjoyed getting to chat with them and open a few presents they sent us and ones we sent them. Very thankful for 21st century technology which allows us to communicate so well with loved ones back home.

Christmas morning Brett read Luke 2 and had the boys act out the parts of Mary and Joseph. Judson was Mary (with a ball in his tummy) and Jackson was Joseph. We video recorded most of the morning to capture these priceless memories. Then we opened presents, had breakfast, played some games and started getting ready for the team get-together.  The entire team met at the Carter’s house for lunch, gift exchange, games, and fellowship.

To view pictures of the Beil’s Christmas press here.

4. The day after Christmas Ghanaians celebrate Boxing Day. Traditionally this is a day where the Ghanaians enjoy a big meal. Since Boxing Day was on Sunday we decided to treat our class to large meal. We had a lady prepare enough groundnut (peanut) stew and rice balls for the class and we enjoyed a delicious meal together during our class hour. When you look at the pictures it might not look that appetizing to you but it really is tasty – by far my favorite meal here! (Side note: Brett got really sick from this dish about a year ago and cannot even smell it without gagging so it was a sacrifice for him to withstand the sight and smell for his class!)

After the meal Brett taught his lesson and then we handed out gifts to all our class members. We went through our whole house looking for things we just don’t need any more. Most of the items were clothes and decorations. Each class member received 2-3 items and they were more than thankful. To think our “trash” is their “treasure” is humbling.

To view pictures of this event please press here.

5. This past week under the direction of Pastor Speer, Brett started a new soul winning time on Tuesday Evenings. We are very excited about this new opportunity to reach our class members and new people. Brett was encouraged by the number of people actually home when he went out visiting on Tuesday. He got to witness to one of our class member’s son who understood English well. Brett was able to lead to him to Christ without a translator; which he said was very refreshing.

My new year’s resolution for this site is to keep you more updated with our converts and disciples. This past month I got to witness to Rachel, one of our college student’s sisters. She got saved and then came the following Sunday to get baptized. While I was witnessing to Rachel, Brett got to win 4 people to the Lord. One of which is a mother who brought her 6 month old twins to church last week. I will try to remember to bring my camera so you can put a face to the names.

I updated our convert pictures page, to view it please press here.