I have had every intention of writing on my blog more often, and yet have managed to go an entire month without making an entry. I'll really try to do better! It has been a wonderful month though. The week before Thanksgiving my friends Tony, Sarah, and their little bundle of joy Connor came to visit and stay with us. The cool thing is that they're from New Zealand, they manage to make a trip every couple of years and visit all their friends in the U.S. It was the first time for us to have a baby in the house, which was fun. I didn't get as stressed out as I am capable of, which was nice! One night of their visit two other people came over who have done internships at the same church I did when I was in New Zealand, and we had a great night of telling stories and sharing pictures. It was really exciting to me, because my internship in New Zealand was kind of where it all began. When I felt God's call for me to go to another country and share His good news, I decided to go to the South Pacific because I met a man who shared with me the great need of the people in New Zealand in Australia. That internship was an amazing first start. Even though Matt and I will be going to Australia instead, I feel like God sent me there so that my life and the lives of the people around me would be changed forever.
Thanksgiving came quickly after that visit. Matt and I got to go see my grandmother in Iowa (it was his first time to go), it was really exciting showing him a place where I have some very fond memories. My grandfather who lived there until he passed away in '99 was very influential in showing me who Jesus is. Matt and I both had a blast, and have started the new tradition of trying new barbeque restaurants in the towns we drive through on trips. It's a tasty tradition to say the least. Matt and I are trying to visit family that we have not seen much since getting married, because we realize that we will be gone for quite a few years when we move. I am praying that God helps me truly savor the times we have with family, which is really helping me to be grateful for the awesome loved ones that we have.
Many other things have happened, but I think life will go on without me talking about them. This week is Christmas, so I'm sure I will have plenty to talk about after we get back from the holidays. Merry Christmas, may celebrating the birth of Jesus bring awe and excitement to your life.