Christmas In Review

My Christmas ended very full and warm. I had two dinners and ended the night with Amber and her friend driving around the quiet streets here in West TX. (Well...actually I ended it on the phone...but I'm getting off my point. ;0))

My time in Asia really helped me understand the Christmas story and picture it in my mind. As I sing those famous carols I recall seeing women who deliver babies in dirty dark hole-in-the-wall places with little fanfare (the stable in which Jesus was born was not as sanitary as our little nativity scenes portray)I've visited tribes were women give birth completely alone. I've seen very young girls face harsh realities. I sat with the poor who had nothing and yet so much to give.

I enjoyed my Christmas this year. I haven't shopped one bit and just taken in the time with friends and simple things of life. Tomorrow I'll shop in preparation for visiting my folks....but there isn't the same pressures as before the holidays =0))

Here is part of an email I sent out last year on Christmas day.

The stocking opening at my house with Rox, Georgia, and Crystal was
quite fun. Our clinic celebration was peaceful and everyone was
together for most of it. [the students].... and their crew did an
amazing job.

I just returned from..[the slums]. There was a fresh outpouring of
open sewer across my path to get to a friend's house. Like the old
kid's song goes...can't go over it...can't go under it...can't go
around it...gotta go through it.

My friend's husband was drunk, one kid just diagnosed with TB, and the
rest of the kids have colds. As I passed everyone saying "Maarrrry
Creeezmas" I was just reminded of God's love. Jesus came to dwell
among men and lead us to the Father. That same God cares just as much
now. It's just so stinking hard at times.