First Christmas in Indonesia

It's 2 days after Christmas and I still don't feel like it's already happened! haha I guess that's what happens when you live in a place that feels like July year round! This Christmas was a lot different, but it was really great!! Christmas Eve, I attended a church service and then went back to Lisa & Danny's house and stayed there to ring in Christmas Day with them. We woke up, opened some gifts, had a really special, delicious breakfast(thanks to Lisa!) and enjoyed the day. Even though it's more of a Thanksgiving tradition, later that day I even got to play a game of football!! It was a blast!!
I know I've said this before, but the Pierce's have definitely become like family here and I am so grateful for the way they graciously open their home and include me in their family. Thank you guys for making Christmas so special!
The day before Christmas, I received a package from my sister and Christmas night I got to skype with her as I opened it. I know it's not cheap to send a package, so thank you, Katie, for sending that! It was so special to receive it and to be able to open it with you.

It was full of special treats from the States...it was fun to open!

Being in another country, it's funny how little things that are out of the ordinary become so special:
- During breakfast, we ate french toast casserole(with real maple syrup!!) and even had bacon...I savored every little bite...and almost licked the plate clean :)
- While opening a gift from the Pierce's I opened to see a box of pasta, and got really excited! To that Lisa laughed and explained they only used it as a box, but there's something else in there
- Opening up the package from my sister and getting really excited to open deodorant and vitamins...Imagine how excited I got when I saw the peppermint chocolates and christmas candles!! :)

This Christmas was so special, and not just because of the gifts, talking to family, or eating great food. It was special to take time to reflect on what Christmas is all about. The birth of Jesus that has changed the world for eternity and has impacted my life forever. As I have sang Christmas songs and reread the story of Jesus this season, I have been filled with thankfulness to Jesus, who came to Earth, lived and served those around Him, died for our sins and then overcame death. In a world filled with sadness, uncertainty, and darkness, I am very grateful to be able to celebrate the One that gives Hope.