On New Year’s Eve Day the youth and I help host a dinner for the Sunday School kids.

Looks like everything is ready.

Time to gather the kids

Each of the kids bring their own dish and Nora and Pricilla fill it up

It’s amazing how much these kids can eat

Liz and Anton also join in the celebration.

Patiently waiting their turns

Enjoying good food and visiting with their friends

I think the dinner was a success

Later that evening after church, the Sunday School party continues at Jesse’s house.

Time to get cozy

While the kids wait for their snacks, they watch an Australian Christian music group called Hillsongs (very popular here)

Nora dishes up the cakes and cookies I spent most of the day baking.

And I start passing them around

Enjoy!

After all the food is distributed I head back to the Lutz’s house where we ring in the New Year with Sparklers

Anton dancing with his sparklers

Sparklers are a new experience for Rebecca

Solo seems entranced

I also join in the fun.

Oops. Looks like mine are done.

Liz pretends to blow out the last bit

Happy New Year!

Then the dance party begins.

Jazzing it up.

The party continues at Liz’s house long after the boys are worn out.

So much fun!

By 3am, we’re ready for bed

The next morning, I’m up early again to witness the baptism of two of my friends

Mecklyn offers her testimony

Lyn talks about what Jesus has done in her life.

There’s something really neat about full immersion baptisms

Down she goes…

Praying for Mecklyn’s future

And up she comes as a newly washed child of God

It’s Lyn’s turn

I love that the kids throw rose petals on them as they are baptized

Lyn coming out of the water.

Mecklyn, Lyn and me. What a great way to start the new year.