Holidays and 2012

Today is January 1, 2012. It was a blessing to be back in the US in time for the holidays and I am thankful for all the family and friends I have been able to see and spend time with. I was home in time for a wonderful southern Thanksgiving in Bartow with my mom’s family. We had a big Turkey, giblet gravy, corn casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and lots of dessert, including my aunt’s sour cream poundcake. It was like so many of my childhood Thanksgivings, but very different from the way I spent Thanksgiving last year.

I remember Thanksgiving last year in Tanzania vividly. No electricity. A big salad. Dinner with Syd and Kate by candlelight. Acoustic guitar and singing led by Syd, but with the voices of many students and kids. Reagan specifically loved the song time. It was an unusual, but unforgettable Thanksgiving. Here is a video of us singing with the kids by candlelight. 

I arrived in Boca and home for the first time in almost a year and a half about a week before Christmas. It was nice to be welcomed home. I enjoyed the handful of people that were very excited to see my when I attended church that first Sunday back.

Christmas was spent again with family in Bartow. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from Christmas day:

My birthday (new years eve) was spent in Boca. We had a delicious meal and got to take some family photos:

I remember my birthday last year in Dar. It included chips mayai for lunch at my regular spot and a little birthday celebration for me at the orphanage. I was called over and as I walked in raw rice was thrown at me and they sang to me. They presented me with a small gift and lots of love. New Years day included a big trip to the beach for a celebration with kids from four orphanages in town. There was lots of music, swimming, games and of course pilau. It was a great day filled with lots of laughter and smiles. Here are some pictures from that day:

So, now 2012 has begun. I wonder what lays ahead for me in this year. There are lots of unknowns. The holidays and new year last year and this year were so different. It is a little strange to compare and reflect. I am thankful to be with my family this year and missing lots of friends who I love dearly in Tanzania. I am glad that every year and every day God is faithful. He is my Provider. He is with me and for me, so who can be against me? Nothing can separate me form His love. These are unchanging truths.

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angles nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Roman 8:38-39