Christmas in Eastern Europe

Since I'm not returning to the States for Christmas I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to fit stuff like canned pumpkin and evaporated milk and seasoning and spices and Christmas lights in my luggage. I'm going to attempt to cook dinner on Christmas day and keep up some semblance of tradition in my little apartment. I take for granted that I can't just run to the store and grab a frozen turkey or a can of yams. Inconveniences aside, though, I'm excited about celebrating Christmas in a Muslim country.

The contrast between the United States--despite it's ever-increasing commercialism--that predominantly celebrates Christmas in some form, and Bosnia, a country that pays no homage whatsoever, is going to be an eye opener for me. Curious that I'll be living in a culture where December 25 is just another work day. But I think the fact that so few Bosnians celebrate Christmas is going to make the celebration that much more precious to me.

I'll be sad and lonely, thinking about family and friends so far away, and about not hearing the carols and hymns or seeing the advent candle lit; but in a different light, this experience is a task I've been assigned to. As an ambassador of Christ, I am salt and light in this world, and our meager Sarajevo celebration will be a pinprick of the light and truth of Christ in the darkness. It's an amazing opportunity!

On a more practical level, let's just trust that my cans of pumpkin and evaporated milk will go through airport security. And that I don't burn dinner...Well, first I hope my oven works--I've not even tried it yet. If everything turns out as planned I shall be quite pleased.