Wow. This has been an intense, but good week. I know it's been a while since I wrote last, but the last thing I've wanted to do is type anymore after homework :) But here's whats been going on.
Alan has had us lay off of the ministry since we got back from being up North so that we can catch up on our homework. We have one more paper due on Tuesday, and then the Buddhism section homework, and then we are completely done with this semester. So about 20 more pages to write, and 800 more pages to read. The end is in sight!
This week was a little bit weird; if we hadn't changed our plane tickets, we would have left on 17th, and gotten home on the 18th. So I would be home right now. For some reason, knowing this has made me really homesick over the past few days. But at the same time, I absolutely love it here, and dread the day we pack up and leave, possibly for good. Khruu and Lynette leave tomorrow to go to the States for a few weeks, so we had to say bye to them which sucked.....
When I'm not being dumb and emotional, I've been having a fantastic week, which makes leaving even harder. But at the same time, God's been getting me ready to leave emotionally. He's placed a lot of anticipation in my heart for next school year, for work, for my new living situation, and, of course, for seeing my family. So it's kind of a catch22. I guess the only way to say it is that I'm excited to go home, but not excited to leave. Guess that's life, ay?
We went to Bangkok's Chinatown on Friday, after Thai lessons. It was crazy. Tons of people, cramped streets, and lots of noise. It was a blast, but exhausting. It felt like being in the market part of Rosarito, Mexico, but I understood a lot less than I do in Mexico. Tammy and Kaitlyn got Christmas decorations for APSAI, so that we can be in the Christmas mood when we get home.
On that note; I love Christmas. We were talking about it in the car on the way home from Church today, and it made me really excited. It must be the little kid in me, but everything about Christmas makes me excited; butterflies in the stomach, huge smile, etc. I love snow. I love getting to wear clothes to keep yourself warm; jeans, leggings, flannel shirts, boots. Snow. I love Christmas lights. I love decorating the tree, and the house. Making winter food. Anticipating snow. The happiness that people typically have during holidays. Snow. The excitement of seeing family. The chance of snow. But my favorite part is the silly family traditions that come with holidays.
Like, every year at Thanksgiving, we watch the dog show, the one that's on after the Macy's Parade. It's dumb. And boring. But we watch it every year, and it's fun with everybody sitting around in a food coma, commenting on the stupidity of some of those dogs.
And at some point over Thanksgiving weekend, my Aunt makes orange biscuits and bacon; the mix should be disgusting, but it's the best breakfast you will ever eat.
On Christmas Eve, we always have a candlelight service at church. And it's always a little bit stressful (anything would be when you hand 6 year old's candles), but so much fun. It's peaceful, and amusing, and quiet... and just perfect. Even when it doesn't really seem like it's going well.
I was thinking about traditions today, and I think that the reason they make me so happy, and so excited is because of what it means. Year to year, we are not who we were. For better or for worse, we are different people by the next year. Things happen that change our worldviews, God speaks new things into our lives, and people shift; but every year, you can count on a few things, like orange biscuits.
Every year, you can do the same things you do every year, but as a new person with new perspectives.
I can't wait for Christmas!
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