This was our third Christmas in Bucharest, but our first without any family visiting. Although we consoled ourselves with the idea that not having family would make for a beautiful, quiet Christmas for us, we did feel lonely when Christmas day came around. We had the wonderful opportunity of chatting for long periods on Skype with both our families and had the grandparents watch the kids open the presents on the webcam-but if we are being honest-that's not really enough. And for me, this is a grieving process. I grieve that I am not there to take cute pictures with my sisters all in matching pajamas. I grieve that my children cannot hug their grandparents and sit on their laps.
But Christmas is just an event-what I really grieve is having the relationships you have when you live 10 minutes from your parents and you drop by for dinner (like we use to!) or just shopping with my mom or hanging out with my brother and sister. But in reality,(the reality I want to focus on) when I look at what my Savior has done for me and the little sacrifice he has called me to-living in Bucharest-who Jesus is comforts me beyond what I need and want.
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"...But in reality,(the reality I want to focus on) when I look at what my Savior has done for me and the little sacrifice he has called me to-living in Bucharest-who Jesus is comforts me beyond what I need and want..."
Amen! I was just browsing random blogs when I came across that quote from this post-looks about a year old. I love how you put that.
I had a class in college with a Kooiman, although to be honest that was about 15 years ago and don't quite recall his first name. Biola? around 1995(?).
Regardless, God bless in your missions calling. I pray that where ever your family finds itself this Christmas you will find just as much comfort in our Lord and Savior.
-aaron
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