Christmas Tree #1

While many of the commercial elements of Christmas seem to be missing from Uganda, Anna and I went on the hunt for a Christmas tree last week. We decided we needed something to hold up our Christmas lights and make our living room feel holiday-cozy. So, armed with a ponga (machete tool) and determined to return with a tree, Anna chopped off some branches while I provided moral support :) We lovingly arranged our new Charlie Brown-style tree in a red bucket, gave it water, and even tied some of the branches to nails in the wall to keep it from keeling over. Lights were draped and Christmas balls hung off its branches. We were so proud of it!

Thankfully, it lasted about 24 hours so the tree was still looking perky for our hosting of team advent celebration. Unfortunately, the leaves have shriveled since then and are now dry and curling. Our Charlie Brown tree is officially dead. Nevertheless, we are excited to find Christmas Tree #2! And our currently dead tree is still holding up those Christmas lights while we search for a more lively replacement!