Christmas in the Rock

Well, American Christmas has come and gone here in Macedonia (we still have Macedonian Christmas to look forward to on January 7th). It was the first Christmas away from home for many of the MAK-16s, but we celebrated together and had a good time. There were several Christmas parties going on around the country, but somehow I think Kamenica ended up having the largest, and certainly the longest (we started Friday and went until Monday) party. There were 11 volunteers in my house at one point, which my house is larger than most here, but still meant we had some interesting sleeping accomodations (especially when you have to take into account the snorers and those who have violent nightmares). Several people traveled over 6 hours by bus to get to Kamenica and their presence was much appreciated.

Some of the highlights:

Going in search of an Божик елка (Christmas Tree). They brought back not one, but four.

Julie decorating the tree.

Kenzie and Morgan enjoying some holiday drinks.

The start of the White Elephant gift exchange. Check out the sweet bag I found with race cars and fast cats. That in itself was a gift!

Paul's White Elephant from Enid: A whisk and a pack of spaghetti sauce mix from America

Julie's White Elephant from Sara: A mushroom jar, a Saint portrait, and a fake metal weapon.

Faron received a Macedonian Children's Concert video from Paul

Enid opened a White Elephant from Morgan that was wet. It was a yellow plastic bottle with knobs and some sort of liquid inside.

Kenzie opening a White Elephant that had "popular" American star posters, a used loofa, and a mystery Macedonian homemade wall hanging

Anna's White Elephant gift went to Dale: A glass cockatoo statue.

The most coveted White Elephant gift, prior and post opening, was Faron's. The recipient was Dan. Apparently Faron has 3 or 4 of these lovely framed pictures in his house and decided to share.

Building Gingerbread Houses

Dale using part of Paul's White Elephant gift

Christmas Stockings from Дедо Мраз (Santa Claus)

Paul and Julie

Christmas Day Dinner- Roast Chickens and Vegetables

Andres bobbing for cookies with the ones that were stuck to the pan.

The boys were in charge of decorating the cookies. This is the cookie they made for me- three layers and about a pound of frosting, sprinkles, and red hots. AKA: A handful of diabetes.

Clearly I am a 2 year old and wore more of the cookie than I ate.

The Kratavo Group: Paul, Dale, Dan, Faron

The Girls: Anna, Julie, Morgan, Enid, Sara

Team Lozovo: Anna, Julie, Kenzie, Morgan, Andres, Sara