OK, I Cheated...

I need to come clean. I cheated. I bought some tamales in the mercado this morning. I spent part of yesterday at Gloria's house, learning how to make tamales. I even got to help -- a little. I'll get to taste them later today, but I already know they're going to be fantastic. I'll also get to eat torreja, the very special dessert that is served during Navidad. I'll let you know how that turns out.

But, back to my buying tamales. Since Woody and Marla arrive tomorrow, I wanted to make sure they get to eat some, so I bought some. I would never ask to bring some home at the houses I'll be visiting later. (Now, if they offer, that's a different story.) And, even though I know I'll be eating more tamales later, I had to try one of the ones I bought -- just to make sure they're good, of course. They are!

Last night's church service went very well. The youth group put on a drama and I thought they did a good job with it. It was, encapsulated, the life of Jesus. They started with the Annunciation and ended with the Resurrection. In between, we saw Joseph lead a very pregnant Mary on a very pregnant donkey. So pregnant, in fact, that at one point I thought we might be witness to a live birth right there. (The donkey, not Mary. Mary's prenancy was aided by pillows and such.) We saw the Temptation of Jesus, Jesus heal, the Crucifixion and then the Resurrection. I was really proud of the young people.

I pray that you all have a wonderful, blessed Navidad!