Christmas in Kenya is a hot one, so we Americans made an
adult sized slip ‘n slide. Our British ex-pat friends provided a proper figgy
pudding. My Kenyans celebrate with chicken and chips(fries). The Southern
American teachers all cooked egg
casseroles. However, it seemed everyone gathered to celebrate The Season with
candle light and carols.
Making new traditions, ice hockey practice on Kenya’s only
rink, and keeping old ones alive, baking traditional cookies, infused this
Christmas with new reflections, new meaning, new intention. In fact, I had to
actively seek the Christmas Spirit since the weather promoted barbecues and
fireworks.
…A special thing to rediscover something so familiar. My
Christmas began and ended as a Mystery, a hunt. Maybe that’s how it should be.
My American stay was packed from front to back with friends, family and my favorite things. I've heard stories from fellow expats about awkward fits in coming back to a familiar, yet changed home. Thanks to ya'll, my time home was 3 Dimensional, RICH: broad, wide and deep!
Some of the best and some of the firsts from my time home.
I miss ya'll dearly! I miss it, Texas home.
My first morning home:
What is the first thing you would DO after returning to the USA?
First morning home, lets get back in the saddle!
My first weekend:
Daddy Mack's Alma Matter!
At his 30th college reunion, Dad remarks this is the only time he's seen the football team win.
I reveled in the 'white people dancing', small-town American Football vibe, the 'not so tribal' drumming, and the blaring speaker's celebratory serenade of "Save a horse ride a cowboy"!!
My first week:
A homey sight from the Texas Eye at the State Fair of Texas 2015!
Corny Dogs, petting zoos, butter sculptures! knife expos, acrobats and Big Tex. What a welcome home my first week back in the states. Thanks to Dear Kate!!
Dart ride! The Star's biggest fan, Steve, recaps the game:
I couldn't help but instigate Steve's comments on the Stars. I couldn't help videoing my interesting new friend too.
Something about taking Dart to a game, a 'Dallas' feeling!
The gift of a Family Christmas Tradition!
Rain and cold only makes the tree cutting sweeter... Our Mackintosh Christmas Tree hunting tradition is still alive!
My extended stay in the States and my sister's trip home for Thanksgiving afforded us a full family tree-cutting. It's been a few years since all 5 Macks participated, wahooooo! A meaningful year's end.
