New Year's Day Sledding

Kara, Stephanie, Simcha, Me

At the top of the hill...

The Boys

A potential heat source--it was only slightly warmer than anywhere else

The Caudle, Spalding, and Candelerio kiddos

Me trying to get my feet warm in the car--unfortunately I don't own appropriate footwear for trumping through the snow or even standing outside for long periods of time. My Crocs are always my winter shoes. They keep my feet extremely warm--the only pair that does--however, they have no grip so I did not even dare wear them outside.

Sadly, my feet were so cold that it was hard for me to enjoy sledding. I left after about an hour and only the first 15 minutes of sledding were enjoyable! Aigoo.

Taking a break--watching other sled as the eat ham and talk.

Stewarding Creativity

My goal for this break was 1) to stay home as much as possible and 2) to finish my quilt (the top at least). I did it. I finished my quilt top. Now I just need to send it off to be quilted. I have a list of things I would like to accomplish before I die. Making a quilt was one of them. I will soon be able to check this off my list!

Somewhere along the way I added it to my goal to start and finish the quilt I am making for my sister as well. Last year I got this idea to turn all the clothing my sister wore during her time in India into a quilt as a good reminder of India. I am pumped about this idea and it is my prayer that is will be a reminder to her and others who see to to remember to lift south Asia into their prayers.

Me in process!

There are two things that have been great about making this quilt:

First, it is allowing me to use the creativity He has placed in me. I have been a very poor steward of this gift that He has given me for the past five or so years. One of my goals in the upcoming year to be a better steward of this talent the He had given me. Making both of these two quilts has brought joy to my heart as it is but the start of getting my creative juices rolling. I miss creating so much.

Second, it has given me a lot of time to lift India up to the Lord and petition Him to work in the hearts of men and woman there so that He would be glorified. It helps that God allowed me to spend two weeks in India so many of the fabrics bring memories of people to places. Kara and I did not have the television on either of the days I have been working on this quilt which has allowed me to really be able to focus on praying for the people of India as I work. This is not something I had planned, but a blessing from the Lord that He has given me this time and placed it on my heart to lift them up.

Please take a moment and click on my comments and leave a quick prayer for the Lord's name to be proclaimed in South Asia and for the people to come to know the Lord.

Christmas Joy

Though this was probably one of my favorite Christmas' in Korea...I don't really have any pictures to go with it!

Kara and I got up around 7:00 (Yes, we set our alarms on Christmas morning!)--or shall I say to watch Kara open her presents. Below is a picture of Kara with her presents. My family did send presents, however, my box got held up in customs because I had to get permission from the government to have black beans sent to you. I eventually got my box on Saturday. Thanks, Kara's parents for sending me a Chirstmas present as it was my only one on Christmas morning.

After presents, Kara and I casually showered and got dressed for the day. Sharon, another single female at our school, joined us for breakfast. I was so blessed to have Sharon join us. She is one of my favorite people to visit with at our school. Over breakfast we shared what the Lord was teaching us. I thought it was great that Sharon brought up this question because it was almost the exact same one I was planning on bringing up around Christmas dinner.

Sharon arrived as Kara was starting to make breakfast and I was starting to get the turkey ready for the oven. She stayed for french toast, fried eggs, a fruit smoothie, and coffee and a turtle. She left around 10:30. My parents called me a little after breakfast and I got to talk to my family for a time. It was fun--one of the sounds I love most is our Vonage phone ringing! Seriously. 

Kara and I had just enough time to the breakfast mess put away before people started coming over for Christmas. It was great. Dinner was planned for three and everyone had the freedom to just show up when it worked. At noon I started to pull out all the chips, dips, and veggies because I was hungry. Sure enough...pull out the food and they will come! Those of us who did not go to the USA for Christmas from school celebrated Christmas together. We tried to get a group shot but it is pretty terrible and we were so busy talking that we forgot to--it was a low priority. 

Dakota, Becca, Laura, Won, Nicole, Me, Teal, Kara, Matt, Beka, and Tad

I really wanted to be able to focus on Christ on Christmas Day. The way I chose to accomplish this this year was to ask people to share what it is the Lord has been teaching them this holiday season. I started us off and we had a great discussion. It is so encouraging to hear how and what the Lord is speaking to others. After dinner we just continued to hang out. Some stayed in the living while some of us played Settlers of Catan (I really enjoy this game!). I did not win but still enjoyed myself. People eventually left and I cannot remember how Kara and I finished of the evening. I believe we watched a movie--wishing for a cheesy Christmas to come on TV even though that really doesn't happen on Korean television.

Anyhow, that was my Christmas. I hope that you found joy in celebrating Christ as well!