Galyean Family News
"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."




December 13, 2006

Well, we came back to the Philippines on September 11, and went right to work. It is just hard to believe that the holidays are upon us already. The Filipinos celebrate Christmas, but it is certainly not as commercialized as in the States. Some folks decorate, but we do not find areas that are decorated like back home. Sometimes we find ourselves saying, "It just doesn't feel like Christmas."

I remember my first visit back to Bible College after I graduated. I had missed the place for quite some time, but when I was able to return it just didn't feel the same. I learned then that it is not places or events that make times special, but the people with whom we share those times. Christmas time has the tendency to remind us how far we are from home, but it also gives us a chance to reminisce and thank God for all the wonderful family and friends we have. We want you all to know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this holiday season. We miss you all and love you very much.

We are enjoying the holidays here. We had a good time putting up our little Christmas tree and some other decorations. Heidi is on Christmas vacation now and so we might take a trip up in the mountains to Baguio City where the weather is colder. That should certainly help with the "holiday spirit." We plan to stay home on Christmas day and Barb is preparing to make us a Christmas dinner. And we have a tradition of celebrating while it is Christmas in the Philippines and in the States. This makes Christmas last a lot longer--if you know what I mean.

The young people are coming over after church to celebrate as we bring in the new year. Now, to try and explain how the Filipinos bring in the new year is quite hard. Just imagine all the illegal fireworks in America going off at the same time; that might give you a little idea of what it's like. It lasts for about 30 minutes and it is mass chaos. The entire country smells like fireworks for a few hours. We like to go to the 4th floor and just watch and listen. It's really crazy and not something you can grasp unless you have experienced it.

We want to wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a happy new year!

Have a great day!

Eddie Galyean

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