Wow, first Christmas away from my family. First Christmas away from the traditions that have shaped my expectations for how things should go. It is hard to know what to expect in preparing to be away from your "norms" especially at this time of year, but things have gone surprisingly well for me! And how fun that now I can claim the age old tune "I had Christmas down in Africa."
Christmas Eve was spent baking cookies with our wonderful neighbors. The evening held singing Christmas carols and reading the Christmas story around a campfire, in t-shirts I might add! It held games with dear friends that have become like family and late night conversations that carried us right into the holiday!
Christmas Day held a beautiful simplicity that is so easily lost in the states. Christmas caroling at the local hospital, dinner with our missionary friends, and overall just a time of celebration of the birth of Jesus and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ! I was reminded by a good friend that family is not always blood. This year I hold fast to that, as I feel right at home where I am even as far away from "home" as it is.
I have definitely had my moments of wanting to be home for Christmas... There was even one day last week when I was plotting this great "fly home and surprise my family" scheme (don't get too exited guys, I didn't let that one get past the "that would be fun" phase). But really, I truly believe that God gives us the strength we need right when we need it, and He has given it to me this Christmas! Looking back, this will truly be a beautiful Christmas to remember!
And my amazing Christmas present this year came from Baby E who I have talked so much about.... HE STARTED CRAWLING!
Merry Christmas!!!!
