And so this is Christmas!

Pumpkin pie, apple pie and cherry pie. Jane and Bills dogs. We bought them a rawhide bone each for Christmas and they were pretty excited with their gifts.

And Caleb with his rawhide bone, tragically this was lost soon after the photo was taken and he had to wait until Jere's was chewed in half so they could share.

It is Christmas evening and I have survived Christmas without my Mum, kids, dog etc. Our lovely friends Bill and Jane from Texas invited us to spend Christmas day with them in Abu Dhabi and they had other guests from Bills work, and Michelle and Brian. Michelle and Jane I met at church and they have been very kind to me and helped tremendously in helping me get settled here.

The hardest part was because of the time difference making a phone call home to speak to loved ones was difficult, but I spoke to them yesterday, and will probably be able to catch them tomorrow at home.

We were surprised at the number of text messages we received from Muslims wishing us a Merry Christmas. We really need to be sure to learn the right thing to say for the next Muslim holiday.

Thanks Bill and Jane for making what was potentially a very difficult day away from home, lovely.