Boxing Day

Among my British friends opinions vary as to why it's called Boxing Day. Here in Japan in the Missionary community many times it is the first day in a long while where there are no deadlines or activities looming.  Church activities are over, family celebrations, if there's been time, are finished and in one last effort you reach out to others in your circle who are important to you. 

I've been invited over the years to share in leftovers of the Christmas meal at the homes of several friends.  This year Christmas fell on a Sunday, so that meant postponement of some activities until all the church events were wrapped up.

Monday, our Director and his Wife invited ten of us to their home for dinner together.  Two Americans, three Singaporeans, three Australians  a Canadian and an Englishman joined this German couple.

We enjoyed ham and chicken curry, rice and potatoes and lots of side dishes followed by pie and cookies.

Some time was taken to sing some songs together and share some encouragements we've received and pray together.

Outside our building our Japanese neighbors were busy taking down any Christmas decorations they may have put up and getting ready for their most important holiday - New Year's Day.