Hey Mom and Dad!
I just wanted to write and tell you Merry Christmas from Malaysia. The World Race is the best Christmas present I have ever had. You’d be proud to see what all I have learned so far. The adventures I have been on. Just the other day I was chased by monkeys down the steps of a temple. A few weeks ago a monk asked me to be in a picture with him. I shared the Gospel in China. I arm-wrestled with a boy who was once destined to be sold into the sex industry.
I have to admit, I would never have gotten this far in the race if it had not been the love and values you have shown me my whole life. Mom, I know I said I did not miss home a few days ago. But, honestly, I do miss you and home. Dad, you taught me to fight for family, home, and faith. So, I am doing that. I am fighting to come home ready to love you guys more than ever before and tell you how good our God is.
I wish you could see our measly little Christmas tree. Half the time we can’t get power to make the lights glow. We cut out snowflakes from paper and we have been practicing Malaysian and Indian Christmas carols. The closest I’ll get to hot chocolate this year will be Milo, a chocolate drink made with malt, cocoa and a cocktail of vitamins “for boys and girls of all ages to be healthy and strong!” But, you can still save some hot chocolate for me when I get home next year. Oh, and maybe you can save the Christmas breakfast for August when I return becuase my Christmas meal will most likely consist of fried rice and lime juice.
While this will be my first Christmas in 26 years away from home, it will be the best one yet. I get to share the Savior’s birth in a closed country. This is the one chance each year to speak Christ’s name in a country that prohibits practicing anything other than Islam. I get to give presents that are costing me nothing but giving them everything, the love of Christ. So, when you open presents on Christmas morning, know that somewhere across the word your son is doing great things and making you very proud. I hope that what I am doing will be the greatest gift I have ever given to you. Miss you! Love you tons! Merry Christmas
Your Son,
Trent
