Isn't it amazing how Christmas is celebrated all over the world? Every country, city, and family may have their own traditions, but the meaning is still the same, celebrating the birth of Christ. All 9 homes came together to put on plays, sing, dance, eat, and open up gifts. We had over 300 people in one place and only a few tears were shed! That's a Christmas miracle in itself. It was heartwarming to see families together, brothers and sisters chasing each other, and grandparents listening to what's going on at school.
Looking back at these photos puts the biggest smile on my face. I never knew I could love these children like they were my own, I never knew I could feel like my heart was in two places at once, but most of all I never knew how big of an impact these children would have on my life.
Some of our homes are in more rural locations and our children don't have the opportunity to visit popular attractions, so the following day we took a couple of the homes to the zoo!
This past week, while teaching my English classes at the children's school, I was able to explain the true meaning of Christmas to a mostly Buddhist community of students. It was a neat experience to talk about the birth of Christ and how it's the sole reason we celebrate Christmas. I found a Thai/English Nativity story at one of the bible bookstores in town and had students help me read the story out loud. My translator, who is a student-teacher from the near by university, explained that it's hard to talk about American holidays in the classroom because she's not sure if she's explaining them correctly and that it's nice to have an American teach them. I'm just happy I can say the word "Christmas" in a school setting.
It's been a pretty busy last couple of weeks and naturally I got my holiday "allergy attack that will soon turn into a sinus infection" and have been trying to recover the last few days. I spent Christmas Day laying on the couch lazily, watching Elf and napping with DayQuil pumping through my veins. Our neighbors came by to sing Christmas carols and then silly stringed us, friends stopped by to drop off gifts, and I got to FaceTime with my family back at home. It really did feel like Christmas.
So now, in five days 2014 will be over and 2015 will begin. 2014 has truly been an amazing year. I did things I never thought I'd have the courage to do, from skydiving to moving to the other side of the world. I'm not sure how 2015 will top what's happened so far, but I'm excited to see what will happen.
"And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus comes back again." Philippians 1:6
I hope so.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas & a happy New Year.
Cristina.
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