The first Sunday of this Advent season, I was reminded that this is a season of preparation. There is a reason that we have historically celebrated Advent for 25 days before Christmas. It was to remind us that we live in constant waiting and preparation for the return of our Savior. It isn't an anxious, frustrating waiting, like waiting in line at the bank or post office, but an expectant, joyous waiting, like waiting for your mom to open that perfect Christmas present you got her or for that precious new baby to be born. I was reminded that we should expect blessings from the Father and that as we live expectantly, that should inform how we live our daily lives. We should be full of hope, joy, and anticipation of good and beautiful things. As we live this way, we will treat others this way and shine Love all around us. Last Christmas, all I wanted was a new start. This Christmas, I'm thankful for a new start, a new life, and the anticipation of a coming Savior that I get to share with the people around me each day. So Merry Christmas dear friends! Remember this season of joyous expectation and allow it to stick with you through the New Year!
My last day at Language Systems- Level 1 class
A little remodeling fun at church!
Before I started my job I was able to get up North and visit these two crazy kids and their beautiful church
Driving down from SF, the drought hit hard this summer obviously.
A much beloved student's birthday!
2 weeks after starting my teaching job, I took off for China!
In my friend's class, we taught her ESL students how to play MASH... I may end up marrying Jackie Chan!
Sight-seeing, shopping, and eating were the main events of my time in China!
Getting my hair done... these guys were very happy to wash my hair and practice their three words of English!
Upon my return, my friends and I went to Garba, the pre-Diwali dancing festival!
My new students! High school is a whole new adventure...
I got to go to SD one weekend and visit Shannon
And looked who just hopped on a plane for a day to visit me!
My students pumpkin carving for the first time
Happy Halloween!
We went to the Dia de los Muertos festival in Santa Ana
My first Lakers' Game
Our school is getting very involved in sports. A few of our students play hockey and our school now has its very own soccer team!
Christmas party at Voice of Refugees
This is the norm...
