3. Sarah Berson - Christmas With An Outhouse

Track 3:
Christmas With An Outhouse
Sarah Berson, featuring Tim Bauer and Steve Zank

Sarah is a friend of mine currently serving overseas in the Peace Corps. Christmas With An Outhouse is a song she penned to the music of O Holy Night about experiencing Christmas away from the comforts of home. I had the honor of singing her lyrics and our good friend Steve Zank contributed the bulk of the instrumentation. Here is what she had to say about what the song means to her:

"As a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in Ukraine, I sometimes get caught up in what I don't have. Friends and family within reasonable proximity. Produce all year long. The ability to freely converse with neighbors. Indoor plumbing.

Missing my favorite American holidays has been a difficult facet of my service. The lyrics for "Christmas With an Outhouse" juxtapose my two worlds: wanting to enjoy the holiday in the traditional ways and yet living in Ukraine. The last line to the song, "this life half-given, half-taken in this land" is a tribute to the amazing people here who have made a home for me; made themselves my family. I am here to give, but of course, I receive much more than I can even fathom, and for that I am truly blessed.

So even though there are no Christmas jingles on the radio and I'm trudging through snow for a bathroom break, I am glad to be here, making  home away from home, and learning to love the contrasts.

A huge shout-out goes to Tim Bauer and Steve Zank for creating the awesome sound to this song!

Blessings to you as you make your own home, and the homes of others."
-Sarah Berson

You read more about Sarah's adventures on her blog.

Credits:
Lyrics: Sarah Berson
Music: Adolphe Adam
Vocals, Melodica, Sleighbells: Tim Bauer
Piano, Gutiar: Steve Zank