Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Eve

More than 10 years ago this evening I sat on the tatami mat floor of my little Japanese apartment and poured my heart onto paper. I wrote about childhood memories and Christmas. They were thoughts and memories that were flying around in my head as I had my first Christmas in Japan and away from any family. I was bit teary-eyed and very sappy. Just two pages of memories and thoughts and I was done. A simple ode to the holidays and love of my family. Then I decided that I wanted to share it with my mom because I knew she would love it. My siblings and parents were on a road trip together to see extended family. So I made an international phone call and got a fax number. Later that day I was able to talk to them and learned that they read it out loud to everyone and made them cry. Not what I expected, but it made me feel like I was a part of the family from far away.

Tonight I was driving home after a Christmas Eve party with dear friends and began to feel a bit nostalgic for my family and Christmases past. This triggered the memory of my Japanese Christmas so many years ago. I have had many Christmas experiences in new places and with new people. Each year seems to be different and memorable.

With only a few more minutes left this Christmas eve, I am wondering where I will be next year and who I will be celebrating Christ's birth with.

Merry Christmas! May you know God's richest blessings this year!

7 comments:

hashbrowns said...

Merry Christmas, sweet friend. Thanks for your visit today- it was a joy to see you.

Kim said...

Wishing you were here! Love the pic! Love YOU!!!

SKKD Lambing said...

Miss you too Care bear! We hope to see you this coming year. Merry Christmas.

Unknown said...

LOVE THIS BEAUTIFUL PIC OF YOU FRIEND :) It totally looks like an album cover for... ya never know. Thanks for sharing with us! Merry Christmas from all 6 Howells.
Love, Jen

Joani said...

Miss you my friend! I enjoyed the one Christmas eve where you joined into the Kroon Chaos.

Sodak Girl said...

Ahh....now I'm missing you! I love the sweet pic of you in the snow. And I'm wishing all God's best to you in the new year. Lots of love...

Anita said...

GREAT photos of you friend! We got home last night and got your Christmas card, love it! Thanks for recaping your year with us, God has blessed you with AMAZING adventures! You are my ADVENTURE buddy! I look forward to more adventures together in the future. Happy New Year!

Anita