An Unexpected Christmas Gift

I woke up Christmas morning feeling a little out of sorts. This would be our first one without family. We always have family for Christmas.

Last night, fireworks were going off until 4 am. Panama loves noise and celebrates Christmas Eve with much noise and fireworks. We had to close all the windows to get to sleep. And remember, we live WAY OUT in the country. I can only imagine how loud it was in town!

We decided to eat a late breakfast, then open presents. We only purchased a few. After all, we have a new house, furniture and other stuff, so it seems a little extravagant to buy even more stuff.

And, we have US TV being installed on Monday.

So I was looking out the window...magnificent...drinking my first cup of coffee...some of the best in the world...and feeling at a loss on how to celebrate this holiday.

I looked out our door toward the road and see our neighbors standing there. I thought for a minute they were pausing to rest because it is a very steep road.

I yell a greeting to them and they hesitantly approach the house. I realize they want to see us so I called Yella and go out to the road.

They have presents for us.

You could have knocked me down with a feather. They have two bars of processed sugar cane and a bowl of dried beans. They looked like white to light green pinto beans with brown flecks in them. I have never seen them before.

All this is from their farm.

In a moment of shear brilliance, I invited them in for coffee. For once, I made more than I needed so I had plenty.

We sat on our porch for an hour, trying to communicate. They speak no English and you know how much Spanish we speak.

But it all worked out. It is hard work but worth it.

They invited us to eat, we think...hard to say for sure...but we have a party today.

These are the nicest people. The people are the best part of Panama.

I went and grabbed my guitar and we played them a song...a spur of the moment gift to them for including us in their holiday. Their hospitality was touching. And appreciated.

I forgot about being out of sorts on this Christmas without family.

This was a magnificent way to celebrate our first Christmas in Panama! I was so grateful.

We then ate breakfast and opened gifts.

A wonderful Christmas morning! Our first in Panama!