I didn’t think I would be homesick during Christmas time. When Christmas time rolled around (the day after Thanksgiving) it didn’t feel like Christmas. I was living in Swazi at that point and so the temperatures were getting hotter and hotter. Not exactly Christmas weather. The second my feet hit Nepal on the other hand, it felt like Christmas. The cold weather, wifi and Christmas decorations really kicked me in the gut. Up to now, I’ve done pretty good with not being homesick, as long as I keep in mind why I’m here I have no problem with it. But after face timing my parents and them showing me the Christmas tree, I felt homesick. It’s weird not being home for a holiday that holds so many traditions and joy. It’s weird not being around those traditions, decorations, and SNOW. The weirdest thing will not be attending a Christmas Eve service singing Silent Night.
This Christmas I will be in Chitwan, Nepal and then traveling to Pokhara in the later half of the day. It’s Christmas on the go this year. I have literally zero idea what my Christmas will look like. Part of me wishes for Christmas cookies, silent night, watching White Christmas, twinkling lights and a candle lit service. Wow I really wish for that. But this year is different. I know God put me where I am for a reason, this Christmas is different for a reason. I get to spend it with new people in a new way with new traditions in a new place. Change is good. I am very blessed to be spending it with a team who puts up with my Christmas music and my sister and brother team. This Christmas, I am not missing out on a loving community, a Christmas tree (my parents gave me a card with a pop up tree), and I’m still not missing the reason we celebrate. That’s what it’s about to begin with, Jesus. He is the reason we get to celebrate this holiday. It’s not the presents, cookies, twinkling lights or the candle lit service. He is such a good God to love us so well, not only to send His Son, but to let us have joy like no other in this season. He didn’t have to, but He did. Don’t forget the reason we celebrate this holiday. Put down the Christmas lists and egg nog and recognize why we celebrate. It’s the season of giving and joy because He gave life and joy. I know we say it a lot, but it’s so true. I encourage you all to bless someone this Christmas and give the reason for the season away.
I won’t have wifi for Christmas, so I pray that you don’t forget the reason we get to celebrate this season.
Have a very Merry Christmas!!
