Typing this from America... I can barely believe it! What a blessing to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. I even went to church tonight for our Christmas Eve service. It's awesome to celebrate Christmas in a country where Christmas is actually celebrated. Our pastor continued to talk about how there are so many voices competing in our lives. God is always, always trying to communicate with us but so often we can't hear him. That's because we haven't quieted the other voices in our lives. Voices aren't always bad- like friends, family, work or school.
I am thankful that the Lord has allowed me to live in East Asia where many other voices are quieted. Don't get me wrong, many days (or even most days) it's still hard to focus on the Lord. But in my experience, I have truly heard from the Lord in this last year and a half. I have continually learned how he is so REAL. Jesus' birth has become more and more real to me every day. And more significant. I've seen the power of His name in a more vivid way. Praise God!! And merry Christmas.
reunion with high school friends
one of my very best friends! thankful for our constant laughter.
in Memphis for one of my best friend's wedding- ALLIE EICK!
sweetest picture.
HELLO MOM AND DAD!!!
besties
Homewood High School 2007, mini reunion over pizza
Santa Claus has come to Asia town! Just being honest, this is the best video yet. Even though I'll actually be at home for Christmas, we had to make at least one holiday video before I leave. After Tyler and Sean found the old Santa costume, we persuaded Sean he had to wear it so we could film him around our school.
Bystanders just crowded around watched us, as usual! Children were either ecstatic or extremely frightened. And I'm sure everyone was probably thinking "they're crazy foreigners"...but we kinda are. I think you'll definitely laugh when you watch this video of Santa Sean in our East Asia home. To highlight it, you'll find scooter stunts, a dirt bike, fat Santa dance moves, maybe a little Gangnam Style, graffiti and even baby Jack in Santa attire.
Music compliments of Ben Rector's Christmas album, you should really check it out. I plan to tweet at him over and over, hoping he'll reply and watch our Asian Christmas video too.
As I've mentioned before, I take language class at an arts school. At our school, we have a lot of freedom. Even the freedom to graffiti anywhere we want. Since we're surrounded by incredible artists, I've always been too afraid to try to graffiti on my own. What if I tried and it looked lame? So we asked a trusty art student friend to teach us how it's done.
We wanted something Christmasy. Mostly because we wanted to take Christmas pictures in front of it...and also spread a little holiday cheer in a country where it's completely lacking. Our friend helped us by the good quality spray paint and we climbed 6 flights of stairs to the top of a building on campus.
At the top of the buildings, students go to practice graffiti so it's free game to cover up whatever you want. We chose to cover up a scary skull head with our cheerful tree.
practice round, it was his first time trying graffiti
we made a plan first...
the first outline
the face mask was funny and necessary
feeling really rebellious
everyone had a turn
about a 3 hour process all together!
up on the rooftop...
the finished product!!
Sean enjoying the view on a smoggy day
I'm really thankful for my life here. It's seriously a lot of fun.
The dreary winter weather is setting in. But don't worry, there are still plenty of things to be thankful for. For instance, it hasn't rained in a few weeks. The first month back in China, it rained about 20 days in a row. These days there's no rain but the winter is definitely here to stay. Which also means the Asian winter accessories are in full force. Here's some documentation of the winter gear in East Asia this year.
these inconvenient but eye-catching bunny gloves
hand warmer, no idea what animal it is supposed to be?!
classic panda hat connected to gloves, this is super popular
hat/turtleneck combo
over-sized ear muffs
Those were just the highlights but I'll try to get some more fashion photos soon. I also just celebrated my 24th birthday. I don't have many comments about that, because frankly I'm scared of growing up. But I had a ton of fun on my birthday! Thanks to my friends and family in America for taking the time to call, text, e-mail or skype me on my birthday. And of course for our EA family here for loving me so well and going above and beyond to show how much they care!
out at Dancing with the Sharks, it's an aquarium and bar mishmash
so thankful for these people!
mom sent me these on my birthday, reminded of the good ol days
Big Bird cake of course
Great news: two weeks from today I'll be headed to America for one of my best friends weddings and Christmas at HOME. I'm so thankful to see my family and friends and celebrate Jesus' birthday with some people I really love!
And then I just threw this picture in for your viewing pleasure. This is sweet Jack Stuart and Adelaide Littlepage. They are already best friends, even if they're unaware of it. Jack is sporting Polo lounge wear while Adelaide is a little more fancy in her baby wedding gear. I absolutely LOVE having babies here. Just our "family" that much more complete.
