Once familiar piece is paneton. We mentioned this story last year I think, but thought it was a good time to bring it back. Last year we noted a great article by Hardy Groening, former missionary to Peru - you can read that here. Paneton is a big part of the Christmas tradition in Peru. And yesterday, as the kids and I visited Walmart for a few last minute items here in Fresno, there it was on a bottom shelf - Panettone, made with SunMaid Raisins even!
We are traveling to LA next Tuesday, then flying out early Wed morning to Lima. We hope to have the Visa process completed by the end of the week, and be back in the air to Trujillo (a 1 hour flight) by early the following week. Our friends in Trujillo have already shared with us some Christmas traditions we can expect, like the Christmas morning church service that will likely mirror the one celebrated here in Fresno by our home church, The Grove.
This next weekend will be filled with celebrations of God's faithfulness of getting us to this point of departure. But it will also be a time of sadness, as we say goodbye to so many wonderful family and friends, and to traditions experienced over the past many years. Knowing there are traditions that are shared both in Fresno and in Peru makes the process a bit more palatable, but it won't eliminate the heart pains we will be feeling.
If you see a box of Panettone (or Paneton) on the store shelves this Christmas, consider picking some up. As you share it with family and friends, please offer up a prayer for the Ens Family, for peace in transitions, quick processing of Visa applications, and for quick acculturation to new traditions.
Take care, and a very Merry Christmas!
Lowell
