Dear Charis Family,

Happy Holidays!!! In this part of the world we are all celebrating the end of the Month of Fasting, which was extremely hot and difficult this year. The holiday that falls at the end of this month lasts from three to seven days and EVERYONE drops whatever they are doing to become gluttons of hospitality.

Many, many people come to each home to visit and each family goes out visiting to other homes. I have been hitting about six homes a day for the past few days, have been in a flash flood, have had to walk for hours through the mud in a very dangerous area to get home, have drank over 50 glasses of tea, taught a teenage girl how to drive (women are not allowed to drive in this country!), have eaten multiple types of meat--probably incurring some stomach issues as well, have laughed and cried with women, have sweat gallons, rode for hours in the car, given away about $50 in small bills to children, and in general feel like the lady in this picture:

....except for the fact that I have about three layers of clothing on and a scarf over my head.

Please forgive me for not writing the Tidbits that are brewing in my head. I'm way too overloaded and feel barely able to speak 'Engish' anymore. :-)

Love to all of you, and you will hear from me next month!!!

In Him,
E.C.

Our International Charis Family
Your stories from around the world touch us and we pray for your safety.
Thanks, Love and Blessings to every one of you!