ETA Anna Misenti returned to site after a quick vacation during student exams in time for a festive week of celebrating Christmas with her school community. While Padangsidimpuan is predominantly Muslim (approximately 90-95 percent), it is tradition for the small Christian community at SMAN1 to organize an annual event for the Christian students, teachers and their families at a local church.

This year, it took place on the evening of December 18, featuring singing and dancing performances from both students and teachers, in both Indonesian and English. The teachers wore red coordinated outfits and the students were excited to dress up in their nicest Christmas clothes for the occasion. Anna brought candy canes to pass out at the event, which were a hit with all age groups. The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with a smaller portion of her school community outside the classroom and meet some of her student’s families. The celebration ended around midnight, after five hours of singing, dancing, and a frenzy of photo taking.

Later in the week, Anna spent Christmas with her counterpart, Mr. Jecson, and his extended family, enjoying some quality time eating together, drinking coconuts, and singing silly songs.

Anna Misenti is currently teaching at SMAN 1 Padangsidimpuan, North Sumatra