the time for Christmas music is here!

I look forward to listening to Christmas music, starting October 31st, all year long. In fact, sometimes when my iTunes is on shuffle and a Christmas song comes on, and it is July...I usually let it play through :)

Since being in Rwanda, I have enjoyed daily devotions and hymnal singing with my Azizi Life co-workers. And can I just say that it has taken a lot of effort on my part to not request any Christmas carols?...I have to hold out until December. This does not, however, keep me from looking up Christmas songs and trying to sing them to myself in Ikunyarwanda. I thought I would share one with you...

Away in a Manger

Mw ivuka ryawe, Yesu, bakuryamishije

Mu kiraro kigawa, mu muvure w'inka.

Wasasiwe, Mukiza, ahadakwiriye.

Nubg' ur' Uwaturemye, ni ko wagiriwe!

Nimuze yemwe bana, tumuhimbarize

Ko yaryaminishijw' atya, mu muvure w'inka.

Dushim' Umwami Yesu, tumukundir' ibyo,

Ko yabay' umukene kubg' abanyabyaha.

Umfashe, Mwami Yesu, kuguhora hafi,

Ngo ngukunde, tuban' iminsi yanjye yose,

Kandi n'abandi bana, na b' ubiyereke,

Bagukunde, dushiman' urukundo rwawe.

And half of the letters don't make the sound that you think they would. 

So, here's to Christmas music and the season of love + community that it celebrates!

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth