In 30 hours...

I will be leaving!

To have a Christmas like no other!

With my sister in Africa!

We are SOO excited!

My bags are packed! One backpack is my Santa Claus bag, full of surprises and goodies for my sister and the families over there with her. The other bag is my stuff. I'm trying to travel light. I'm only taking about 15 pounds of stuff besides the santa claus bag (which will come back full of stuff for people on THIS end, I'm sure!), so we'll see how that goes! Last time I traveled internationally, I had like this huge 50 pound bag plus another mid sized bag and a purse and who knows what other kinds of crap, so at least my airport experience will be much more agile and swift. I'm all over that....I just might have to wear all of my sister's clothes once I get there, ha!

Had a recital this afternoon for my piano students. Went so well. I'm so proud of them. I'm so blessed. 28 students - never thought I could handle that many but God is good. I started teaching when I was 15 and have always had students since, so if my math is right, this is the 8th Christmas recital I've had. I still get nervous for them! :)

God is good! Praise Him for sending Jesus! This year, I was struck at the fact that Jesus was a BABY. I held a little baby boy this summer, so little, so fragile, so dependent, helpless, such a little blank slate. It's been fun to see that little baby boy grow over the fall and start to develop a little personality and be more aware of his surroundings and make connections and grow in strength and coordination....but to think that the God who created and upholds the universe, not considering this great kingship of God as something to keep holding onto, but became one of us, a little baby just like that, with a developing personality and a helpless little thing that needs every one of his needs met for him....and became a humble common man, and became humble enough to suffer the death of a criminal....all for us. Jesus became a criminal for us.

And we are healed.

Thank you Lord.

Karen