Murray

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another xmas in prison is one too many

Desert Rat

Miss Schapelle, here in New Mexico we have a native Christmas symbol called luminarias. Luminarias are small paper bags with an inch of sand in the bottom and a votive candle in the middle, spaced along sidewalks and rooftops about a foot apart. It's a Spanish Catholic tradition meant to light the holy family's way into Bethlehem. In certain parts of my hometown Albuquerque there are so many that the city organizes a bus tour each Christmas Eve. This is low-priced, takes about an hour and gives the best overview of the historic areas of the city. Or you can park your car near a particular area and go for a walk. This is safe in the early evening since there are many other people, exchanging quiet Christmas greetings or strolling along in a companionable silence. Especially in stretches where the lights of homes and buildings are switched off, walking among the luminarias' soft glow creates a peaceful, calming, ethereal effect. In the rural village I live in now we line luminarias along both sides of our only highway, leading through town to disappear over a low hill to the south. I imagine you walking with us, gentle one, and while I can see over the hill no better than you can, I trust that the God who numbers all your steps will bring you home.

possum

Desert Rat... your Christmas tradition sounds lovely. I closed my eyes after reading it and could see a vision of what you described. I found it very calming and relaxing.

On Christmas eve I will light a candle for Schapelle and send her many wishes.

:)

chooklegs70

To dear Schapelle, just read your book, well done- you have soooo much courage:) My name is Janelle and I live in Adelaide, originally from QLD. I send you and my family's best wishes for you this Xmas, I pray that you will be out of your nightmare soon, we are all rooting for you, girl! Keep strong, I know you are. Merry Xmas, sweetie xoxo:)

Anastasia

Hi Scahpelle,

Have faith in god that soon he will gude you home where you belong, back home with your family and friends.

I wish you a Merry Xmas and I hope the New Year brings you all the happiness you deserve.

Love and best wishes

Anastasia xxxx (Melbourne)

Alarna

Thinking of you this christmas......everyone is getting a copy of your book from me....my gift to you this christmas is to spread the word of your innocence and never left people forget that you are still longing to come home....and we need to make that happen and never give up.....we won't ...I promise....I think about you EVERY DAY!!!!

admin

Lovely post Alarna and welcome to the forums :)

Lisa

Merry Christmas Schapelle
Our prayers will be going out for you this Christmas.
We' re thinking of you and wishing you luck for an early return home.
Keep Brave - you're our inspiration!
Love from Lisa & Richard, Perth, WA

Murray

I have written out 4 Xmas cards full of our Xmas greetings so far, and still have 3 greetings left to do. Mr. Desert Rat required a whole card! - but what an excellent Xmas greeting. And that goes for everything contributed so far. Quality stuff really.

BUT - my original idea of sending them on the 15th of this month is leaving their arrival date just a bit too late.

So they will now be sent on Friday Dec 8. End of this week.

Still time to go for it.

Tis the season, or will be soon.

:)