I've been here 1/2 a year. I've learned a lot. For one thing, it's not rude to stare here. (oh, brother!) But, I feel like I've been in the furnace. Yeah, it's hot over here. But, God's just not left me alone! Every day here has had new trials, new twists. I feel torn-- torn between two places. I miss Oregon, but I love it here. The very thing I've looked forward to all year is now tearing me to pieces--Christmastime.
I love the songs, the cheery greetings, the "spirit." But that spirit doesn't seem right in a 90 degree showcase. Many of you reading this now have snow. I miss snow. I miss the Christmas-tree hunting that always comes with December. I love tradition.
For many people in the stories I’ve been reading in Lit class, Christmastime is a time of sorrow. Of dispair. I don’t dispair. I’m not sorrowful. I’m very grateful for the friends He has given me, and for the family that He put me into. But, as Christmas comes, I find, it’s harder to dwell on the pure and good things. I can’t deny it, I miss my family and friends!
I got out the Christmas music yesterday…. Tennessee Christmas came on.
They say in LA, it’s a warm holiday! The only place to be. But a tender Tennessee Christmas is the only Christmas for me.
I’m tired of being in the furnace. But I know, if I get put in the freezer, I’ll miss the beauty of --and the lesson taught by-- the flames I’m in.
They say UGA has a warm holiday, and that’s where I will be! But a tender Oregon Christmas, is the only Christmas for me.
Thanks for being honest and transparent, Janae. Holidays away from home can be tough because we are often away from what is very familiar to us. The last Christmas I had in Uganda (in 2006) was kinda tough because it really didn't "feel" like Christmas, but I did make some new and good memories.
ReplyDeleteI don't what will happen this year with Christmas. It will probably be different than previous Christmases, but I still trust it will be good. Look for the good and enjoy the special surprises God will have in store for you. :)