there’s a song from the mid-80s called “do they know it’s christmas?” it was originally made as a fundraiser for a famine in ethiopia, but has become a seasonal pop favorite. i used to love that song. now it kind of annoys me. of course they know it’s christmas! especially if you’re on the africa mercy. 
the ornaments and trees started going up late last week. 
then there was cookie making on saturday. 
there have also been some advent services and parties. unfortunately, i haven’t been able to fully participate in most of these events. i came down with malaria over the weekend. i’m mostly doing better, but definitely taking it easy these days. 
i’m just hoping that i am fully back up and running by the time we sail. which is due to be sometime later this week. and i fly home 2 weeks from today. crazy! where have the last 2 years gone?!
