Where has December gone??

December is inevitably busy and chaotic, but yikes!  I have posted a few pictures (scroll down past this entry) to try to capture some of our activities that have taken place in the last few weeks.  While it's always sort of sad to see the holidays come and go, there is something to be said for getting back to "normal".

I personally have had a very blessed month and I have put off writing about it because I am not quite sure how to capture it in words, so here goes my attempt...  

Despite our delayed departure date, the farewell parties went ahead as planned.  It began with a party hosted by Kristy, my best friend since fourth grade.  It was a girls only night and I still feel a bit overwhelmed when I think about the fact that so many women that I love and cherish were gathered together in one place at one time.  I am not sure what we laughed at more...the embarrassing stories of my youth or Kristy trying to read Chinese words during our trivia game (which I won by the way!)  It was a beautiful night from start to finish and I have found myself thinking that women should take turns having parties for each other.  Just a party to appreciate friendship and share memories - there is truly nothing like it.  Thank you Kristy and all the gals who celebrated with me!

The next celebration came in the form of a holiday/going away party hosted by my fellow teacher and dear friend Tammy.  This was for the Humphrey staff and it was truly a gift.  Not only was I given a box full of recipes, but they also presented me with a journal full of letters written by my beloved friends at Humphrey.  It was a great night!  Again it makes me think that we should take time more often to share how much our lives are impacted by each other.  I am so grateful to have been a part of the Humphrey staff - thanks to all of you for your support and friendship!

And so, as Christmas quickly approaches, I find myself somewhat glad that we are not taking off on January 3rd.  I am able to enjoy the holiday and the time with family and friends.  Maybe God needed to slow things down a bit for me so I could take it all in...whatever the case may be, I will celebrate relationships and be thankful for blessings big and small.

Merry Christmas to you!