From a dusty Dakar, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2015! The desert winds (Harmattan) are blowing, covering the city in a thin layer of yellow dust. Some days the sun is barely visible because of the sand clouds. At home we can daily sweep heaps of sand from the floor. Everyone is sneezing and a bit cold at this time of year. This yellow Christmas reminds us of the real Christmas story, which took place in the Middle East; with wise men on camels in a dry climate. Maria and Simon have played this history in the church, Maria as Mary and Simon as shepherd (with sheep). The story came alive to them! So we enjoyed Christmas , reflecting on and celebrating the coming of Jesus to earth.
Thanks for your updates. It is great to see Maria and Simon a few years older than the last time I saw them.
Merry Christmas,
Paul Kruth (part of the 2012 dental team from York, Pennsylvania)