WeWeeChu a Merrie Christmas

Merrie Christmas from China. This week I have finished final exams, I have had various meals with students, and I have received various presents from students and friends and family. It has definitely been a celebration week. Everyone is so interested in Christmas and what the festival is about. They all think the importance is on Christmas Eve though. It was impossible to find a table last night at a restuarant.

Last night we cooked.. and baked and watched a movie.. and spent time together. I went to bed pretty early. I just haven't felt very Christmasy, but this morning it hit me. Daphne and her mom called me this morning and wished me Merrie Christmas. It was so good to be woken up by someone from home.. and to know that i was remembered. I just cried a little. Then I showered and got dressed before my mom called.

I opened my presents while my mom was on skype with me, so she could see. Since my birthday is while I'm gone I opened my birthday presents too. I was excited to get some baking things and chocolate chips and things. I got a hoodie and a shirt. It was a wonderful Christmas morning. I have been spending the rest of the day cooking and cleaning. We are watching A Christmas Story now. It's not the 24 hour marathon, but watching it once will do.

Tonight we were going to have dinner with 3 of our Best Chinese friends/family. We were so excited and it really was making the day so wonderful. We were going to share American food with them and gift exchange. Well.. not anymore. It is frustrating sometimes, but I understand it's a test. I know it's just part of being proven worthy, but it's hard on my heart. It hurts so much that we can't even share a meal with our friends. We can't even see them. It's been so long, and I miss them.

My heart is in a lot of pain these days just thinking about working here. I Love the work here so much and the people. I just want it to not hurt so badly. I want to have more trust in our DAD and his plan. I just want it to be easier sometimes. It scares me that our work isn't going to work completely and I might just not get to see my friends from China in the far future. It really put a damper on the day.

We are still going to have dinner with just the Americans and are going to enjoy it as best we can. It is evident that there is a cloud on the day. Other than that. I leave for Central China tomorrow morning. I keep forgetting about the trip. I hope I remember to catch my plane in the morning. I am so excited to be reunited with Angus. There is nothing better than knowing that I do get to see him again. I miss him terribly. I will be back on Monday and then I'm headed to Hangzhou for a couple days to see my family there on the 1st and 2nd. It's been a while and I miss them.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your time with your families. Thank you for the encouragement and sweet notes. DAD bless.