I’m back. Yipee! I’ve safely arrived in the Philippines after spending a few weeks in solitude.
This month was hard for me, but oh…so good!


Team Awaken at the Great Wall

While I was in China and the Christmas season was passing by, I often found myself daydreaming and trying to imagine what my family was doing in the moment. Was Mama baking cookies or going Christmas shopping tonight? I bet Daddy is going to build Mama a fire this morning? I wonder if Desiree is planning to make any homemade Christmas gifts this year? Hmmm…so many thoughts would run through my head. Here is a list of some of the things I miss most about Christmas.

Waking up at 6:30am only to find Mom and Dad sitting in front of the fireplace, enjoying a cup of coffee together

Baking Christmas cookies with Mama for all of our family and friends

Daddy’s homemade veggie and fruit smoothies…so good!

Sweet tea and Bo~berry bisquits from Bojangles

Movie nights and sleepovers with my best friend, Lorraine

Planning Christmas parties and events for my jr. high kids and broken chains youth

Big family festivities and dinners at Nana and Papa’s house

The nativity on the mantle

Scrapbooking with Desiree and Meme

Christmas Eve with Desiree, Blake, Aaron, Mom and Dad

Driving in my car and going Christmas shopping whenever I want

Dave Lyle Blvd and Panera

Wow! That’s a long list, but even though I miss many things this Christmas I wouldn’t change this moment for anything. I feel so honored and privileged to be where I’m at this year, and so grateful I have friends and family that love me and support me through it all. Thank you so much for believing in me; I couldn’t do this without you. I pray God’s blessings over your time spent with family and friends and hope your Christmas day is filled with joy and laughter as you celebrate the birth of our Savior and King, Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!