Most people wouldn’t trade Christmas time with their families for the world, however, that is exactly what I did this year. I spent my Christmas in Lao and celebrated with people from around the world. Being away from our families at anytime of the year is difficult, but to face Christmas time away can make things more difficult. I prayed long before the race that God would take away my homesickness. For me, being homesick is crippling. I struggle to function correctly and my mind isn’t in the right place. To my great surprise God has blessed me with not getting too homesick so far. Time to time I have a moment where home is desirable, but I can work through those thoughts. I knew Christmas was going to be the real test because I love many things about being home this time of year. Again, God was looking out for me and blessed my team and I with an amazing young group of friends in Lao. In Lao we taught English at a university resulting in make friends with people our own age. After explaining how important Christmas is for us in the states they went out of their way and made a moment that was unforgettable. We were invited to a youth church service that was Christmas themed where they fed us spaghetti and we all did a gift exchanged. Yet, the service was the best part because it was a Christmas service unlike no other. I heard worship songs from around the world, messages in different languages, and Christmas celebrations in a new light. People were from all over like Lao, U.S.A., Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Australia, and China. I was in awe! In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus tells His disciples, “to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I sat back and saw that verse come to life. Someone went to the nations and made disciples of us. We all had different traditions of how we celebrate Christmas, but there was no question who we were celebrating. I never got homesick because I was celebrating Christmas with my family in Christ.
