The Weekend Before Christmas

'Twas the weekend before Christmas, when all through the trees,
Every insect was biting, from no see-ums to flees!
The stockings were pulled up to ward off attacks
'Cause mosquitoes are hungry - they're wanting a snack.
The Hofmans were sweating, hoping for relief
They dreamt of cool waters, of sand and of reef
Eric in shorts and T-shirt, and Wendy in scrubs
She sat down to study - her wise chin she rubs.
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When out in the forest there arose such a clatter
We jumped from our seats to find out the matter
Away to the window we flew in a jiffy
Flung open the knockos to see what was iffy
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The wetness of grass due to new fallen rain,
(It rains in Gabon, again and again)
created a water park just right for our kittens
who ran and who jumped, swatting moths with their mittens.
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A little young gecko was happy to see this
For cats loved to chase him, and rarely did they miss,
More rapid than eagles, their paws were like lightening
And for a young gecko, there's nothing more frightening!
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"It's only the kittens" we said to each other
"Havoc created by sister and brother
But we can't complain, having them in our house,
For if they weren't here, it'd be rats or a mouse!"
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With crisis averted, we got back to our studies
And my mind drifted back home to our buddies.
It's Christmas already, but our families are distant
Tears tried to consume me, but I was resistant.
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Our loved ones are not here - we miss them, 'tis true
But we have each other - and the mission crew!
They're brothers and sisters, they're nephews and nieces
That God has provided, and don't forget Jesus!
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He departed heaven and came down to Earth
As a little baby - so humble a birth!
He paid for our sins by His death on the cross
Our works cannot save us; without Him, we're lost!
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What are we to do, with this great a gift?
We share it with others, and His name we lift
He's opened our eyes and given us light
Praise Jesus this Christmas, and to all a good night!
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Here's a picture of the "mission crew" at a Christmas cookie party. They are a wonderful group of folks, and we've really been blessed by them!!