When you are a born-and-raised Chicagoland girl, December doesn’t feel right without temperatures below freezing, and at least a threat of snow, if not blankets of it covering the ground. So, wearing flip-flops and getting sunburn just don’t seem to fit. (Don’t get me wrong–I’m not complaining!) It has seriously felt like the month of June for a long time. I kept forgetting that it is Christmas season, forcing myself to listen to Christmas music whenever I’d remember, to help put me in the correct time of year.

This Christmas I had a little party with some of my friends (one came all the way from Illinois to attend!). We had wassail (thanks to another missionary friend willing to share the spices sent from home), played Uno, ate a tasty meal, watched Elf, ate Christmas cookies, and I sent everyone home with a candy cane (thanks mom!).

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I had a family that is dear to my heart over for dinner and a movie (The Nativity Story) on Christmas Eve. (Joseline didn’t make it into pictures as she turned into the photographer.)

Christmas Day I went to church with a friend who works with JAM, and the few children who remained at the children’s home for the holiday. Afterwards we enjoyed a nice meal back at the home. I asked for half-portions (except the pineapple, of course), but still couldn’t finish the food in my plate!

The next day I remembered my parents had sent some gifts with my friend who had just returned to America after visiting me for two weeks. So I extended my celebration by getting a great book on the Psalms, and a new pocket knife…both of which I have already used.

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