Hi friends and family!
I am currently sitting here in a little coffee shop just pondering life. Thinking about how Christmas Eve is tomorrow already. That my life is not a “normal life” this year. How it doesn’t feel like Christmas, and I just watched my first Christmas movie earlier today. I often think, “why would I choose to give up my life for a year, to go on this journey?” And I’m not saying this for you to pity me. But for you to know, this is hard. This year is not going to be easy. But looking back to when I left, I have changed. I see how much joy God has given me in my perspective in these situations. That living in this casita isn’t a big deal. I constantly have to remind myself…”who do I think I am to deserve this?” Of my past, my present, and my future. That changes my perspective immediately. I know that in the end, these experiences are changing me to look more like Jesus.
I’m learning my heart can be full, without all these “things”. Sure, I miss home, my comfy bed, my cute clothes, and just about everything else in my life at home. But it’s amazing how my material world can be turned upside down, and I’m okay. I’m okay without them. When Jesus wandered and preached, he had followers who literally left everything and only had the clothes on their back. I think I’m still learning what that looks like, but have already noticed so many changes in my own perspective.
I’m thankful for the people around me, for continually speaking life into me. For being able to spend the holidays together. For being like a family to me. To understand how to do this whole Christmas away from home thing. I’m so thankful to have my team to celebrate this holiday season, as three months ago we were once strangers. We are going to celebrate with the family we are with for Christmas Eve, and go to their parents house. An El Salvador tradition is to celebrate all night. Including fireworks, dancing, food, and spending time with each other.
To my family at home, I miss you all so much & I can’t wait till the next holiday season. It really is crazy how much being away I miss home so much. And I never thought I would say it, but Christmas is just not the same without the snow. ??
Merry Christmas to all my friends and family! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season. Or shall I say Feliz Navidad!
