Christmas Eve

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the houses,
Every creature was sleeping, except for Jessica and Rachel who were awake from all of their excitement…."

 Or something like that, anyhow.

 With Christmas Eve upon us, Jessica and I have only a few days left until we depart from Panama!

 
The fundraising is done.
Packing is nearly finished.
We are busy putting the final things we need into our bags, double-checking our packing lists, and excitedly texting each other.
 
Nerves.

Excitement.

Anticipation.

 

We were able to spend some time last night talking and shopping for some Christmas gifts for the island kids, and we are both ready to go! While there is still some anxiety for both of us, as there always will be with any situation that includes a lot of 'unknowns', we are both incredibly excited as well!

 

As Christmas Day approaches, we both have been careful to take a moment and reflect on the incredible gift of love and sacrifice, and the humility that Christ showed when he first arrived on Earth as a tiny baby all those years ago. Those qualities are ones that we hope to bring with us and display brightly as we tell the people in Panama about the true gift of Christmas - Christ - and what an incredible gift that was. It is such an excitement and joy to be a messenger to carry that good news to others, whether across the street or across the globe. Our prayer for you is that you would take a moment to pause in this season that, all too often, becomes hectic and busy, and rest in the peace of God's presence, in the Immanuel - God with us.

 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

 

 Take the time to rest in His peace and His presence, and rejoice in His goodness and graciousness He has shown to us.

 

Merry Christmas!

The church on one of the islands has a homemade paper Christmas tree!