Christmas

I'm playing a little catch-up here. It's been very busy this past month, but oh so good and definitely worth writing about!

In the couple weeks before Christmas, I spent a lot of time making memories with my community here in Japan. Anna and I went to an event at her boys' kindergarten to make wreaths! That same week, we got together with one of our Bible study groups and made flower bookmarks and cards. It was a very neat project! One of the ladies here collects flowers throughout the year, and dries and presses them herself. She brought all the materials we needed to make a couple cards and bookmarks each!

That Saturday, I enjoyed time at Maks and Anna's. We had a sweet early Christmas celebration, before going to Akihiro and Carrie's house to make gingerbread houses, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy a feast!

That Sunday, we were so blessed by the Christmas program at church. It is such a beautiful thing to hear the true story of Christmas from the mouths of children! We have so many reasons to praise God, and Jesus is the best reason!

We take our shoes off at church - this is a beautiful sign of a full church! Praise Him!

After celebrating in Japan, I had an opportunity during the school break to go back to America for Christmas and New Years. I had a wonderful time seeing many of my family and friends. (Although, I couldn't fit in as many as I would have liked!) I am always blessed by knowing that our God is the same here in Japan, in America, and all around the world!

Some of my favorite moments in America were sitting in a church service in English, seeing all of my nieces (and of course, the rest of my family!), catching up with some friends, and spending sweet sweet time with my grandparents.

I spent about two weeks there, before I traveled back to Japan. Many people had asked me if I was ready to go back. While it was a wonderful time there, and I always miss my family and friends when I am away, I am thankful to say that I was excited to come back to Japan.

God is good, and He has given us the best gift in Jesus! Praise Him!!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6