Since I've been home...

I have completely enjoyed being home! It's everything I was hoping for this break. The trip here was a very long and treacherous one, but we finally arrived at home Christmas Eve night. After I slid off the road once, my sister and brother-in-law got in an accident. Then, after continuing home, I slid off the road and hit a car on the way into the ditch. Needless to say, it was one of the worst days ever! Oh, then we waited almost four hours for a tow truck, stayed in a hotel, and drove all day on Christmas Eve-it was a little depressing and frustrating, but it made home even more appealing! 

Christmas was wonderful this year, but a bit different without Ben and Jen. I don't think I knew how hard it would be-still, we were blessed with a wonderful day. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened, but I've loved that about home. This is most likely, well it is, our last Christmas living in Arkansas, so I feel like I'm drinking it all in. Friday, I went on a long with my parents and enjoyed the scenery of Arkansas. Today, my mom and I took another walk through the park close to our house-I love this area! It is beautiful and peaceful and familiar. Hmmmm... We also saw a movie Friday, Marley and Me (amazing and wonderful!), and then spent the night at home. Saturday, we spent the morning exchanging and returning Christmas stuff. Later, I met my dear friend, Josh, for lunch. I've realized that I have simply amazing friends. I am so blessed. The time with Josh was encouraging, affirming, and challenging. And that's how this whole time at home has been! My parents speak words of Truth to me, our home church did that this morning, and my sibling relationships have been teaching me so much! 

Though this last semester was an excellent one, I was exhausted coming home. My emotions, brain, and body were just fried! I love how God knows just what we need to be filled. Along with his grace, he surrounds us with people and events that give us just what we need at that present time. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for your grace. So, home has been wonderful. I've taken Arkansas for granted for too long...this is an amazing area. Now, I'm off to read a good book and fall asleep. :) Enjoy a piece of Arkansas Christmas. And all you Indiana folk, it hasn't been less than 60 degrees here. HeHe!