I am still in a bit of shock being here in Thailand. I love it most days and some days I am overwhelmed that this is where I am living and it freaks me out. Christmas time is right around the corner and I have very mixed emotions. I am excited that the Lord has me here this time and this season of my life and am doing what I love best......playing with kids!! But I am sad that I will not be watching my neices and nephews unwrapping gifts. I am sad that I will not get woken up on the couch by my sweet little family members coming to snuggle with me. I am sad thinking about all of the yummy food and laughing and just watching everyone interacting with eachother. It's one of the most special times of the year that I cherish as we cram all of our family and friends into mom and dad's little cozy house and spend this time of celebrating Christ's birth together. I am missing the smells, the sounds of my loud family and all of the laughter that is had during this season of love. I am greatful that I have a family to spend holidays such as this together. I think of you guys....meaning my friends and family often as I sit in my house all alone. I miss you often but yet there is a real joy and sense of purpose in this time and place I am in. And that carries me. Knowing that you are all well and healthy and doing ok carries me. Knowing that all of you have given me the love and support that I need to be here carries me.
I have never been to so many christmas parties as I have being here. We had one for the kindy school at the orphanage which is called Baan Nam Jai. So if you see that written that's the orphanage's name. Then we had one at the church that I go to and another one at the International church that runs every other week that I also go to. And then we had one at another YWAM ministry called Baan Paak Ping (which houses at risk teen girls- a refuge for young girls at risk of being sold into prostitution) which was a YWAM christmas party, and then another one at Baan Nam Jai and then I went to one in a village of one of the nannys that I work with and then we will have actual christmas at Baan Nam Jai on christmas day. So I am christmased out. Not sure if that's a word or phrase but I am going to use it. Even though my attitude has not always been really great at going to these get togethers I always have left very blessed. I am blessed that I am meeting so many great people. I am blessed that there are so many people giving up of themselves to love on the people of Thailand. It inspires me to be better....to continue to be obedient at what I am called to do here. And to do it well.....not half assed. In everything I do, to do it well. Not because of wanting people to "ooh, and aaaahhh" about me but to please the Lord and because I am His hands and feet. If I have not done unto the least of these then I have not done to HIm. Now that's convicting! I am going to make the most of this Christmas. I am going to miss the things I know as tradition with my family and friends back at home. But I pray that this christmas is memorable and a blessing to those around me.
I am praying for all of you as you spend this time with your families. Really treasure this time. And not to sound cheesy but take advantage of the time you have with your family. Don't let petty things get in the way. Really think about what is important. Is the gift you got so-and-so really all that important as the time you get to spend with them while they are only at home for a small amount of time? You know the answer to that.......I love all of you and hope that you are blessed this year and that 2008 is an amazing year to come!! I don't know for all of you but I am glad to put 2007 behind me. I pray that this finds you all well, healthy, full of joy, thanksgiving and a fresh sense of what life is all about! Take care and God bless you. Don't forget to send me fun christmas pictures of you and your families......I love pictures and updates as well. It helps me feel connected to you as well. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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