FELIZ NAVIDAD!!! "For unto us a child is born...." Well, it's that time of year again, and I feel so blessed to be able and spend this Christmas again with all of my family. It's been more than fabulous being in TN again and around everyone....not to mention this way of life. But, yesterday was really special. We had Christmas with my MeeMaw and Dad's brother and family, and we got an extremely overwhelming gift. Then, for the first time, my dad, mom, Sheena, Kydon, Logan, and I went to the Methodist Church in downtown Jackson and had communion together. I loved it because it was a great way to put focus on Christ, and it gave us a still moment to pray and just reflect in quiet ( a huge change from the normal hustle and bustle ). At our church, we had a candlelight service Sunday night, but no communion, and there's never anything for us on Christmas Eve. I don't know why...it kind of bothers me because that's the #1 thing I'd want to do on CE. I like how most Catholic churches have a midnight service. It's so reverant. Anyway, then, today for Christmas, my parents surprised me with an electric keyboard to take back with me to ES!!! I'm so excited, but I'm not sure how I'm going to get everything back because I have gifts for my friends and fam in El Salvador too. Plus, clothes that I found in my closet that I want to take back....it's going to be a challenge, but I shall prevail!!!! (hahahaha)

All this week it's been so great seeing old friends and catching up. Also, family that I don't always talk to, but when I do it's like we never missed a beat. I love that!! Also, it's been nice being in church and being able to worship and be in fellowship without so much skepticism in my heart. Overall, I've thoroughly enjoyed being back home, and it makes it difficult to go back. However, I do have one thing/person keeping me excited to return...Ramfis! Thankfully, I'll be spending New Year's Eve with him and his family. Well, hope everyone else's Christmas was fantastic!! Let's remember to pray for the poor and homeless, and to be cheerful givers!!!Once again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

I'm HOME!!! I got in Friday night to the airport like around 10 p.m., and then drove to Knoxville. We got there around 2 am their time, and had to wake up at 6 am for the graduation!! I was super tired, but the great thing is that at 7 we had breakfast in the hotel, and I got to see all of my family at once! My grandparents, uncles, cousins...so overwhelming but fun!!!! Sheena's graduation was of course boring, but she looked beautiful, and she's so excited to be done...I'm proud of her. She's already got a full time job lined up that she enjoys. It's right up her alley, and I think it will be a good start for her career-wise. My brother's huge, and I couldn't believe how tall he is and how much he's thinned out. Plus, he's really sweet and sarcastic. He's fun to be around......and he's into girls. I mean, I know he should be, but it's just wierd. Something else wierd is that I'm officially the smallest person in our family. Seriously, I go from being the green giant, and feeling large, to feeling short and skinny!! I love it! :) Everyone says I'm so thin, where as just last week my Salvadoran family was telling me that I've gained weight and that I'm "gordita." So funny.

The food hasn't settled well with me since being back, but I'm lovin' gettin' to eat the stuff!! Also, love my hot showers and clean bathrooms. Also, love the chocolate and all of the back scratches!! Also, love knowing what everyone's saying 100% of the time!! Also, love the cold weather and this Christmas season!! Also, love getting to drive! (Aussie still runs fabulously) Also, love having all of these clothes in my closet!!! It's like Christmas....oh wait, it is Christmas!! hahaha

In short, it's great being home, even though it's wierd. I broke down at an Italian restaurant Sat. night. I was deliriously tired, and emotional. So, Sheena and I started laughing about something, and that turned into me sobbing at the table. Craziness. But, it felt good to let it all out. Oh, and p.s., I colored my hair! It's a lot darker. I like the change...it makes me feel more sophisticated. :) I'll put a pic on later.