Christmas day is fast approaching. I can see it in every day, the fervor of the upcoming festivities and the cool nip in the air, energizing everyone as they run around town. I love it. I can’t help but smile every time I see Santa’s face on something as simple as a can of Coca-Cola. It brought me so much joy to sit down and watch Home Alone with my newest family last night. And I think i’ve had “Baby It’s Cold Outside” playing in my head for a full 2 weeks now.
It’s the complete opposite of last year. Literally. I was on the opposite side of the world. Instead of Costa Rica, I was in Israel. Instead of S squad, I was still with my wonderful K squad. Instead of the lush green wildlife of Central America, I was in a desert, literally and spiritually. I was in a country that didn’t believe that Jesus Christ was born and died for each of them, so they didn’t celebrate Christmas day. There was no Santa, no Christmas trees, and the only decorations hung were in the shape of the Star of David. And because of a “technology fast” there was no music and no Christmas movies.
Christmas Day 2009. Arad, Israel. With K Squad. New Years Eve 2009. Nairobi, Kenya. With Team Oasis.
But there is one big similarity between this year and last year:
I’m away from home…again.
It’s been closer to 2 years now that I’ve been on this crazy adventure. One of the main things that made me hesitate in coming out again was the timing of it all. Leaving in October, I’d miss just about every holiday for the 2nd year in a row. Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Years. And my birthday. But in the end, I knew wholeheartedly that this is where I am supposed to be. Even now as I wonder what the weather’s like at home, I’m thankful that the Lord has blessed me with amazing weather here. And tonight when I’ll wish for a bit that I was with my dad, brother, Marty, KK, and Sarah as they open presents and eat yummy food, I’ll trust that God has blessings and gifts in store for me as well down here. And on Christmas day when I will want nothing more than to wake up early, open presents, then take a long nap with my mom later in the day, I’ll be able to find abundant joy and praise my Father for counting me worthy to serve Him in this way for this season.
So even though I’m missing home for another round of holidays, I can’t help but rejoice in my Creator. He is good. And I will praise Him with everything I have whether that’s in Texas, Israel, or Costa Rica. After all, ’tis the season to be jolly!
Christmas 2010. San Jose, Costa Rica. With Teams Lovebound & Prisma.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
