IMB Mission Christmas Party 2014

The main reason for our trip into Guatemala City last week was to attend our annual Guatemala Baptist Mission Christmas Party.  It is usually held at noon with a covered dish luncheon.  Many of the older MK's come back to spend the holidays with their parents and try to plan their arrival in time for the party.  It's a fun time for us to all get together and celebrate.  We always have it at the Hardemans and were a little sad to think that this was the last year to have them with us because they will be retiring in 2015.  Here are a few photos of our time together.

Our IMB mission family Christmas party (minus a few ladies)

the MK's (missionary kids)

lunch

lunch

Will, Jessie, Wil, Bethani, Helen, and Lily

David and the boys enjoying lunch

Wil, Bethani, Ben, and Jessie

Debby, Mark, Jo, David, Jerry, and Gini

David and Glynis

Cruz and Uncle George

George always dresses up and hands out the gifts to the children.  We draw names for the kids at our Thanksgiving gathering to exchange at the Christmas party.

my sweet little Ben waiting for his name to be called for his present

Ben receiving his gift

Cruz waiting patiently to open his present.   He was SO excited about getting a gift!

The adults all bring "white elephant" gifts and we play a silly game to swap them.  It's fun and is always interesting to see what everyone gets. 

Other than that we just spend our time visiting and enjoying each others company.  We are thankful for a wonderful mission family and for the love and encouragement they show each other.

Merry Christmas everyone!