"Young Hercules and Christmas Carols"
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas even here in Hanoi! It's really amazing to walk into a shop or walk down the street and hear Christmas carols in English and realize that 98% of these people do not have a clue what Christmas is all about. But, when you really think about it how many in the US really understand! Something to think about!

Robin is doing her part to share the story. She couldn't wait to wear her Christmas attire with her ever present "Happy Birthday Jesus!" pin. It has been a real conversation piece. We've really enjoyed answering the questions about her pin. We did find a artificial Christmas tree and at the end of our alley there is a man who sells lights. As you can see the present situation (no pun intended... well okay it was intended!) is a bit bleak! We plan to improve on that in the days to come.

Last week Joshua and Daniel were in their school play called, "Young Hercules!" Nothing like a little Greek mythology to get you in the Christmas spirit. I'm still not sure what Joshua was supposed to be, but Daniel was a "bad bird." Of course anyone who knows Daniel knows that he is not a bad bird! On Monday night of this week the boys' school performed a Christmas thing
with the students from UNIS (United Nations Intl. School). It was also very interesting. The boys did some kind of New Zeland tribal dance. We are still not sure of it's signicance or association with Christmas. Nonetheless, it was a joy to see our children singing with kids from so many different countries. Truly an experience they will never forget, even though during the even they might have wanted to!

The weather has turned cold! We've had nights in the 50's. For Hanoi, that is a blue (or red!) northerner. Those of us from Texas know all about those. Since our house does not have heat, I had to go out and buy two space heaters and Robin bought a couple of big blankets. The cool weather doesn't stop the nguoi Viet. They are as busy as ever, especially at night. The streets are full of people. About the time we are coming in, they are going out.

Since we can't speak to all of you, we thought we should go ahead and say "Merry Christmas" now and just hope that a lot of you will read this. Enjoy the pics and please comment. We love reading your comments.