JOY.

It has been awhile....and a lot has changed in my life the past few weeks. But today I just felt like writing about the blessings I have had the joy of experiencing lately. :)

I don't really know how to describe all of what Christmastime in Minnesota is like. It is almost this magical, wonderful, snowy, peaceful dreamland where you don't feel guilty staying home in your pj's all day because it would be scary to drive in this stuff anyway. I think it is about 5 degrees outside at my house right now, and I love it because I am inside, cozy with my whole family around me - there is nothing quite like it.

My nieces and nephew are the cutest in the entire world. Sasha is almost four - and she is incredibly smart, and hilarious. She got a Disney movie from Santa this year, so this afternoon I had the privilege of watching it with her in my parents' piano room in big comfy chairs with warm blankets. I wish I could remember some of the funny things Sasha said...I'll try to document in the next day or so and get back to ya. Alexis is 18 months and loves to be in the presence of a) big sister Sasha b) Grandma K c) Mommy or Daddy. She is adorable beyond words, and a picture can hardly do her justice. And then there is Charlie - 17 months old and just the cutest little blondie you've ever seen. He has a smile and laugh that captivates you as you chase him around and around the house. These kids bring so much joy to our family - no doubt about it - they are LOVED.

Today was a special day because we got to see some of our extended family - some of the Petersons, and my uncle Al and his wife Linda. These people are FUN. We ate yummy treats, played Last Word, and had good conversation about Kenya, adoption, road trips, and of course enjoyed endless glasses of orange julius. Even though we don't see each other very often...these are some of my most favorite people, and they have given me much joy.

Tomorrow is my last day with the family in Minnesota, and I am excited to enjoy the time we have left together. There is nothing quite like coming home for Christmas, is there? It's like exactly what a girl like me needs at a time like this, you know? I was worn out with teaching, as much as I love my job, it can get pretty exhausting teaching Spanish Christmas carols to kiddos who just fight over who gets to play the maracas! (Thanks to Joel and Lora, now I have two more maracas from Nicaragua!)

God is so good. In the midst of trouble, confusion, hardship, sadness, loneliness, or whatever a person might be feeling...He is our Wonderful Counselor. He provides us with the most wonderful counsel we could ever need - all we gotta do is pray and He is so so so faithful (just ask my sister about the celebration we had tonight in my parents' kitchen!)

Next time I post maybe I'll have some pictures from my time with the fam...but I just felt like it was time to write - mainly focusing on the deep joy that comes from God-given relationships and blessings.