Thursday, May 24, 2007

Chapter 12 "Holiday in Africa" -dedictated to Sharon and Libbo

While the sisters brought a small taste of Christmas to the brothers in March during their time at the Centre; little did they know, Santa’s Elves would be manifested in the brothers as they arrived to the field with two bulky suitcases packed from McCaine’s and Red’s parents. Frosty snow and cold wind were absent during this Christmas in May; however, a light brown dust masked the ground, while stale, warm, air drenched the sisters as they gathered in the freshly painted, light blue, room of their apartment.

The suitcases resembled an ensemble of silver and red presents enclosed beneath sparkling green and blue ribbon with shimmery bows to accent the decorative décor. The dark nylon material, clenched together by shiny silver teeth, held stocking stuffers and gifts from the North Pole (or in this case Virginia and North Carolina). Beneath the wrapping lay spices, seasoning, pots, pans, oven-mits, socks, shirts, cards, and books.

The furry blue and pink bathroom rugs would hear laughter echoing between the sink and tub from the maccorni and cheese making endeavors that eventually would take place in the lively lime green kitchen. The new pots and pans eagerly awaited the salty taste to be brought to them by Mrs. Dash seasoning and her side kicks. The shirts anxiously awaited the experiences they would encounter and the smells that would engulf them. The socks anticipated clean lotion wrapped feet and wondered where they would be led and if they would persevere the journey. Both the shirt and socks knew they could only handle so many lashings from the new washer and cheap African detergent, but they were up for the adventures that would leave them tumbling in suds.

The sisters giggled as they rummaged through the sweet gifts that arrived on a random Thursday six months before the authentic Chr*stm*s holiday. They were thankful the Father never was too early or too late but always right on time. They were grateful that He always supplied what they needed, that He always supplied more then what they needed. When the unwrapping was over and the new gifts placed in there proper places, the Sisters eyes grew heavy and they fell comfortably asleep with thankful hearts and appreciative thoughts for the kind loved ones He provided for support and encouragement in their lives…for secret Santa’s workshops in North Carolina and Virginia and for the little elves bearing the gifts.

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