Kathi Macias’ 12 Days of Christmas Volume 7 by Ruth L. Snyder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cecile’s preparations for Christmas this year are nothing like they were last year when she lived in Alberta. Now, as a nurse working with the San Bushmen people of Botswana, she’s covering up to protect herself from the burning Kalahari sun instead of Alberta’s frigid winds, concerned with the medical surprises and challenges she’ll encounter each day at the clinic, and re-evaluating. Has she made the right decision to come out here as a missionary? Her life would be so different if she’d accept Colin’s proposal
Thoughts about her decision are only complicated by the fact that she really does still care for Colin. But best leave all that behind. For such a handsome young doctor has surely found someone else by now.
Snyder’s familiarity with missionary life in Botswana hints at first-hand experience. The details of the foreign setting help us feel the burning heat, smell the stench of sickness and decaying flesh, and experience Cecile’s nervousness as she faces government officials who are determined to shut her clinic down.
I found the story—told from two points of view: Cecile’s and Colin’s—captivating, inspirational, and short. The novella-length makes this the perfect choice for when you need a break from your Christmas busy, baking, shopping, or wrapping gifts.
And I think you will find, like I did, that this little miracle tale adds depth and breadth to your sense of what Christmas is really about.
Violet Nesdoly 