A more personal Christmas.

I recently read a post on Facebook by Amy Sprayberry.  She was done with Christmas like we've always done it.  Amy just wanted to enjoy her Christmas instead of getting caught up in all the hubbub.  I say good for Amy!  We moms especially get all wound up about getting things just so, making everything perfect.  We can be a lot like Martha instead of Mary.  Mary had it right.  She knew who she had right in front of her and she wasn't about to let the moment slip away without Jesus knowing how much she loved him.  It's not that Martha was totally wrong, we appreciate the Martha's in the world.  I think many of us have been both.

This year I find myself in the position of being a Mary.  It never occured to me that I would feel closer to Jesus this year than ever before.  My position as Martha has been officially resigned and now I am loving my Lord more than ever.  As I have learned to lean on him during the times of homesickness my faith in him has increased.  I guess you could say that I should have seen that coming but there are many things happening that I never saw on the horizon.  All the bible quotes you can think of are falling into place for me because I am living them out.  When I am able I will be expanding on how my heart is changing.  The words are not there at the moment so I figure it's in the works.

So anyway, here it is Christmas 2013 and I am happy to be alive and love my family and friends more now than ever before.  Your messages, emails, notes and letters have touched my heart dearly.  One of the benefits of being so far away is that you appreciate your loved ones even more.

My little $12.95 Christmas tree.  Can't find a star for the top yet.  I think I will just
cut it out of cardboard.

Willow Tree Nativity that I got from Amy L. last year.
 I smuggled it into the Bronco.

Made these especially for my boys back home.
If you're not into Star Wars you won't get it.
The husband in the background is an added bonus.

These are stockings that the kids in Mr. Uck's room made for Dennis and I.
They all say thank you and we love you.

Yes, I even decorated the outside.
Please ignore the giant washer and dryer.  They will be on
the back porch soon, and remember, they are precious.

Christmas in Belize.

Wanted to add this in case you didn't see the Facebook entry.
On the square in San Ignacio.

So our first four months are about over already.  At times it seems like we just got here and I can't believe that it's almost 2014.  Other times...well, other times will always be a part of living far from family.

Dennis and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!  Our hearts are full and our joy is ever increasing.  God is good to us and I hope the same goes for you.  (By the way, if you feel He's not so good to you give me a call or email me and we'll talk.)

We love you guys!