When I think about Christmas, I think about my friends back
at home, Starbucks in hand, bundled up in jackets and scarves, walking around
looking at Christmas lights. I think of our annual Christmas ornament and
Secret Santa gift exchange. Christmas reminds me of shopping for gifts months
in advance, playing Christmas music and wrapping them in my bedroom. It isn’t
really Christmas Eve without being over at the Smith’s, enjoying each other’s
company, exchanging gifts, and singing happy birthday to Jesus. When I think
about Christmas day, I think about the same exact thing that happens each day
that year. Name a time and I can tell you exactly what my family would be
doing, all the way from Christmas breakfast till pumpkin pie dessert… it never
changes. It’s Christmas.
Well this Christmas was far from traditional. Christmas Eve
was spent having a bonfire on the beach, roasting smores, and singing worship
songs. Christmas morning I woke up, put on my swimsuit, and headed out for a
morning workout with Sarah Lapp and Sarah Burrows. It lasted a good three
minutes, until we realized there were jellyfish, at which point we swam
straight for the shore. The rest of the day was spent hanging out on the beach,
taking a nap, and finishing off with dinner at an Italian restaurant down the
beach. Pizza for Christmas, that’s normal, right?
Our front yard at the resort 🙂
One thing that was the same was that my family was there.
They were able to come down and visit for 6 days over the course of our
Christmas break, along with two other parents of fellow world racers. It was
cool for them to be able to see the ministry location that I have loved the
most so far this year, and for them to be able to get to know the people that
are my family for the year as well. It was also nice to have a family around,
all of the world racers really appreciated and enjoyed it. They really enjoyed
being here as well, so it was pretty awesome
But overall it was a good Christmas. I love Christmas, and I
love my traditions, but it was awesome to have a year where it really wasn’t
about all that.
I also want to send a big shout out to all my amazing
friends back at home that sent me cards and gifts—thank you SO much Bryce, Alana,
Ashley, Jenni, Ruth, Robin, Kim, and Sue and Justin. It really meant a lot to
me!
I hope everyone’s Christmas back at home was just as
enjoyable.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Us leaving the island to come back to Manila
