Acting 4 England December Newsletter
Christmas at the Vatican
The month of December flew as Act 4 was getting ready for the big Town Carol Service. All the churches in Potters Bar come together for this event and Act 4 is responsible for all the advertising, programs and even many rehearsals with our Children's Team who perform and sing.
At times, I felt the Christmas spirit but it tended to be a bit grim. I attended a Carol Service at Christ Church but found myself crying through so many Christmas Carols that are dear to my heart. During "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night" tears rolled down my cheeks because it reminded me of the Candlelight Service at Susquehanna and how those two carols are sung each year. I realized how much I miss my SU family and the University Christmas traditions.
Even though I missed certain aspects of home, I was really excited about my holiday to Italy with my friend and fellow YAGM volunteer Crystal. Crystal and I spent a week in Italy traveling to Florence and Rome. Since it was my first time on the continent of Europe, my thoughts of Christmas at home were immediately erased as I became enthralled with all the sights and art in this beautiful country. I completely forgot that it was Christmas except when I saw the Christmas lights in Florence and the nativity scenes in the churches we entered.
We spent Christmas in Rome and even though it was really difficult at times I realized how this was a once in a lifetime experience. It was a real blessing to be able to celebrate the birth of Jesus in the Vatican City.
As Crystal and I stood outside with over 20,000 people, I saw flags of countries from around the world. I heard groups of nuns, priests and families singing Christmas carols in their own language.
Even though we do things for others during the Christmas season, we sometimes think so much of ourselves and our own traditions: where will I be, what do I need to make for the Christmas dinner, what shall I buy for my loved ones, when should I send my Christmas cards. For first time, I didn't think about these things but more so about the true meaning of Christmas and how I was part of a global family Christmas Eve.
The many languages spoken, different styles of dress and skin tone reminded me of a favorite children's book– People by Peter Spier. In this book, Spier portrays how incredibly different people are. He states "It is very strange: Some people even hate others because they are unlike themselves. Because they are different. They forget that they too would seem different if they could only see themselves through other people's eyes. Imagine how dreadfully dull this world of ours would be if everyone would look, think, eat, dress and act the same! Now isn't wonderful that each and every one of us is unlike the other?"
When the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang at midnight, the square fell silent I thought nothing of my Christmas traditions and all the things I missed. Instead I thought of the great wonder and birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the humanity He brought to the world and the humanity that I intend to carry out in my year of service and in the years to come.
Meet Trisha and John Salmon: My Host Parents
How long have you lived in Brookmans Park?
We have lived here for nearly 30 years. Brookmans Park is a small community just outside Potters Bar.
Trisha, how long have you been involved with Act 4?
I have been a trustee since March 2007.
John, as a member of the community, how do you see Act 4 working in the lives of children?
Act 4 is playing a very valuable role in the community by being an incredible organization to the children. They appreciate what you are doing and it's very important for an outsider to give them a different perspective on Christian values.
Trisha, what is your favorite part of working with Act 4?
Watching the organization grow!
What do you both enjoy doing in your spare time?
Trisha: I enjoy family, walking, photography, gardening, going to the theatre and flower arranging.
John: I enjoy playing golf, walking, visiting Devon, but most of all I enjoy being with my lovely wife Trisha.
Trisha: Haha… Oh please don't put that in there Kristin!
Trisha and John are great people who are graciously letting me stay in their house this year. I have really enjoyed their company and I am learning so much about English culture, politics and history from them!
Christmas Traditions in England
Boxing Day is December 26 and is a public holiday. Traditionally, this was the day to open the Christmas Box and share the contents with the poor. The Christmas Box was a wooden container where people placed gifts and sweets.
Christmas Cracker is a brightly colored paper tube, twisted at both ends. A person pulls on each end of the cracker and when the cracker breaks, a small chemical strip goes "Pop!" and the contents which include a paper crown, small gift and joke written on paper fall out. The gift in the cracker depends on how much you have paid for the cracker. To pull the cracker, you cross arms with people sitting next to you, each of whom holds a different end.
Father Christmas is England's version of Santa Claus. Father Christmas was originally dressed in green, a sign of the returning spring. He was either known as 'Sir Christmas' or 'Old Winter.'
Mince Pies are small and filled with mincemeat (minced fruit not meat). The filling is a mixture of raisins, sultanas, apricots, glace cherries, candied citrus peel, apples and various types of nuts and mixed spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
How Well Do YOU know England?
The first person who gets back to me with all five questions right will get a prize from England! Good Luck and Send me Your Answers!
1. How many people live in London today? A) more than 4 million B) more than 7 million C) more than 10 million
2. How many tube lines are there in the London Underground? A) 8 B) 11 C) 14
3. What county is the City of Brighton & Hove located in? A) East Sussex B) Hampshire C) West Sussex
4. What is the name of the estate home I visited in Derbyshire's Peak District which was also featured in the recent Pride and Prejudice film? A) Elvaston Estate B) Lulworth Estate C) Chatsworth Estate
5. What is a Lollipop Man? A) A person that sells candy B) A crossing guard C) A cook
My Sense of Italy
I saw an amazing view of Florence and the Tuscan Hills from the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore.
I heard the bells of St. Peter's Basilica chime on Christmas Eve with around 20,000 other people from around the world.
I smelled strong incense in the Catholic Churches we entered in Rome.
I tasted gelato, pizza and pasta in Italy! The food was my favorite part!
I touched hand-made Italian leather shoes and ended up buying them! (only one pair though!)
About Acting 4 England
Acting 4 England will allow you to join me as I discover a new culture, meet new people, grow in my faith with God and learn more about myself in this world.
I greatly appreciate your support and prayers during this year. Please do keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. I miss all of you so much and I hope you enjoy my newsletter during this year. For more adventures, stories and pictures check out my blog www.act4uk.wordpress.com. Lots of love and prayers!
Love & Cheerio!
Kristin
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment