A sort of homecoming

Being back in the Netherlands after five months stay in Nairobi, brings joy and a bit of melancholia. Joy to be united with family, friends and my beloved hometown. But a bit sad to miss the people and life in Kenya. My cousin, her husband and their daughter, dear colleagues and friends. The raw charm of the capital Nairobi and the contrast with the pure natural splendour of Kenya. Small things like the friendly doorguard at my compound who always opened when he saw me coming on my red bike. The ladies waiting every day at the corner on the street, to be picked up as dayworkers. Passing by the little food stall around the corner to buy some papaya and mango after work. Working hard and laughing as well with my colleagues, especially when they were tasting my home made apple pie (still need to give grandma's recipe…). I won't miss the sometimes crazy hectic of work and deadlines. Glad we beat most of them, 
which was quite a challenge. But that is life sometimes, and was 'part of the deal'…

Now glad Christmas is here, the favorite time of the year…I heard in a song today. Well, maybe not for all, as stress
in buying presents and preparing copious diners takes over it seems sometimes.Which is quite missing the essence 
of this moment of the year. Namely a point in time to take a step back, take a break from the daily rut 
and linger around past year and in particular what the message of Christmas means to me, to us. 
The feast of light of Christ advent in dark days. This change from dark to light, from boundaries to freedom, 
the joy of the newborn Christ in this basic cradle, is appealing to many,even non christians.

I wish the peace and joy of Christmas to everyone. That even in the most violent and distressed areas 
in the world the weapons will be silent and dire straits relieved. The world needs an eternal Christmas 
spirit of peace, love and light, I would say (in every cliche there is an element of truth)

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.
To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy,
is to have to real spirit of Christmas"
(Calvin Coolidge)

A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear" 
(J. Lennon)