Christmas

For Christmas this year Dan and I were in Indiana, my first time away from my parents on Christmas. This Christmas Eve also marked my return to America. Strange how fast a year can move by and how much can happen in that time. It was odd thinking back on my excitement as I flew home on Christmas Eve and how relieved I was to be back last year. I had been dealing with secondary trauma from the work I was doing in Cambodia and needed the break.

This year I was prepared for a bitter sweet Christmas Eve and that is how it ended up. Not because of anything that we did or how we spent out time but inside I was struggling. Dan very thoughtfully suggested we eat Thai food for lunch and at the restaurant I sat and cried missing Cambodia and feeling guilty for leaving (I am still dealing with secondary trauma).  For Christmas Eve we opened our stockings and had dinner with Dan's parents and sister Emily, went to their church's service, and than returned to their house to watch It's a Wonderful Life (one of my gifts to Dan).

On Christmas day I surprised Dan with a box of Fruit Loops (one of his families traditions) and then we opened gifts. We had fun and even bought each other the same gift...the first game we ever played together. We laughed about it and had to get a picture.

Dan's Collection and newest addition

The Chimney Sweep (and new T-shirt on Dan)

Our games :)

Dr. Mario and Tetris for my Supernintendo!!!

our shirts from Kenneth and Karie

After opening gifts we went over to his parents, there we opened more gifts with the family. After gifts we watched Christmas movies, ate lunch, and played games. I won the round of Phase 10 and Ticket to Ride, which we taught Dan's dad and Emily. It was fun spending time together and munching on sweets. After games we headed home and called Dan's other sister Karie and my family. It was a really great Christmas and I felt very blessed and loved.