Merry Christmas to all! I love saying that. This is one of the most wonderful times of year for me. I love having a time set aside to celebrate the birth of my Savior, and to enjoy the things I have. I love putting up lights and Christmas trees...it makes the atmosphere brighter and more cheerful. I love relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. I know our world wants to take Christ out of Christmas, but I think to do that you would have to get rid of Christmas all together or Christmas would be pointless.I am considering this my Christmas letter for the year. Since I am flying home for Christmas, I am trying to spend less money on other things and I decided not to send out a Christmas letter by mail but instead by blog.
For anyone who has been reading my blogs, you will remember that this past year or so has been full of ups and downs. When I came to Nebraska, my dad had just gotten out of the hospital after being very sick. It was my first time being that far away from family and friends, and I was starting a job I had no idea how to do. Since coming to Nebraska, I have had teenagers yell at me, call me names, swear at me, threaten me, and even hit me. I have had one girl run away, and two leave unsuccessfully. After working my first seven months with the same gal, I had to get use to working with someone new as well as learn the summer program and run a cottage full of teenage girls. In August, my cousin Willy passed away to be with his eternal Father, and I was able to go for his funeral and see family I had not been able to see in a long while. I have even started getting gray hairs...which has made me understand how parents start graying after they have children...I just thought they made that up. ;-) I have been stretched in ways I never imagined...and yet through it all I can say with a joyful heart that God is good! I have learned and grown in ways I wouldn't have had I stayed home, and I am starting to feel like I have more direction in my life. I am so thankful for this opportunity and that I listened and followed God's leading.
However, I believe that my time here will soon come to an end. I am trying to figure out what to do next. I have been thinking about finishing school and would like to continue working with youth, but maybe in a different way than a group home. Please keep me in your prayers as I try to figure out what God wants me to do next, and when it will be time for me to leave Nebraska. Thank you for supporting me through prayers, words of encouragement, phone calls, visits, and even money. You all have been a huge blessing in my life and I really appreciate everything! I hope and pray that this Christmas season will be filled with joy and many blessings for you and your families.
