Christmas, December 27

This is the first year that my family has not celebrated Christmas on Christmas day. Seeing as everyone in the family has in-laws now, the family time has to be divided somehow, and this year that means celebrating Christmas on Tuesday, December 27. So, today, after going to church and eating lunch, I spent the day with my parents watching Christmas movies and playing Scrabble. I have to say, it was rather odd not having anyone home, but I was strangely not too disappointed.

As I've grown up, the direction of my joy and excitement has changed quite a bit- going from toys and presents to knowing that Christmas is about a loving Savior who gave up his life for my own. I couldn't help but get a little choked up in Church this morning listening to the trumpets and drums playing Christmas music, glorifying the birth of our Savior.

It also made me a little sad that for most people around the world, Christmas revolves around a pretend man in a red suit, and hearing jingle bells played on the radio.

Even though we didn't "officially" celebrate Christmas today, I've realized that I don't have to confine Christmas to December 25, because Jesus' birth, life, and death are a part of each and every day of the year.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Europe Travels

I've been in Europe for a week now, and so much has happened! I've been keeping a journal since I don't have a computer readily available for me to use, so I will put some of what I've written on here for now.

Day 1

I made it to Manchester this morning, and I waited for my friends Kristen and Tessa to pick me up. They came 30 minutes after I arrived because my plane was a little early and they thought customs would take longer. So, I was sitting in the airport by myself and I was a little nervous because I was in a foreign country, I didn't have a phone, I didn't know anyone, and I didn't know where I was going-- I felt a little helpless to say the least. I spoke with Information Services to try and get a hold of someone, but as I was working with them, the girls came. It was so great to see familiar faces! We rode the train back to York, and when we arrived, I was amazed at the picturesque town that I was walking through, it was beautiful. We stopped at the girls favorite restaurant, Middleton's, and I had a scone with jam and cream. It was a perfect way to start the trip. At night, I also had my first drink... It feels a little weird being able to buy it!

Day 2

Today we went to London and I was able to ride the Underground Railroad (or, "The Tube"). Everywhere it says, "Mind the Gap" which is kind of funny... They even have shirts you can buy with the phrase on them. We went into St. Paul's Cathedral which was absolutely breathtaking. At night, we went to see, "Les Miserables" and it was absolutely fantastic. The ending is beautiful, and it has such great Christian undertones which gave me chills. The song they sing says,

"Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Somewhere beyond the barricade Is there a world you long to see? Then join in the fight That will give you the right to be free!! Do you hear the people sing? Singing a song of angry men? It is the music of a people Who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart Echoes the beating of the drums There is a life about to start When tomorrow comes!"

Well, I need to go... We're going out tonight, so I have to get ready. Believe me, there is a whole lot more to come!

Avoiding Homework...

I am currently sitting at the library, avoiding loads of lesson plans I should be writing, along with papers and readings I should be doing. It's good to take a break, right? I'll just keep telling myself that...

School will be coming to a close soon, and I can't help but get a little bitter-sweet feeling inside of me about the whole thing. It's been quite the year... I've learned a lot more than I would have ever realized, and I've had some fantastic moments and memories that I won't ever forget. I am enjoying what is happening now (minus the crazy homework!), but I'm also looking forward to the future. I might be going to England for a couple of weeks at the end of the school year, and I can hardly wait for that to happen! I am also excited to live in a house with some of my close friends at the end of the summer/next year.

Speaking of taking a trip, I was just looking at some old pictures today, which also made me look forward to warm weather :). I think I should add this to my list of places I need to revisit...

A Proud Aunt

This past weekend was a joyous weekend in the Sikkema family. Grant and Katie had their baby, Anna Christine Sikkema. It's hard to explain how much love you can feel for someone you don't even know! I'm trying not to be the annoying, show-off Aunt, but I can't help it! Now I realize why people are so obsessed with their nieces and nephews :). Here's some pictures of this wonderful, precious little girl...

Interim

I have been inspired to start blogging again! A lot of my friends are taking trips to other parts of the world for interim, and so many of them have started their own blogs.

Unfortunately, I am not going anywhere during interim, so I will not have any amazing pictures to post on here.... I am however, taking DCM (Developing the Christian Mind) and my class will be focusing on Ready for Life students, who are the special needs students on Calvin's campus. We get to partner with one student and be a mentor and friend. I'm excited to see what will happen during this class, because I'm still not totally positive I want to go into Special Education, and I keep going back and forth about what I should be doing with my life. There are so many places, people, and things that I am passionate about, and sometimes I think my heart for everything is too big, which doesn't allow me to focus in on anything. I know that whatever I do, God will be with me and will use me, I just wish I could have a little more clarity sometimes :) But, that's part of life.

Hope everyone is doing well, and had a great Christmas! Until next time...