Oh the anticipation!

I realized as I was falling asleep last night that I forgot to post a blog. So here I am on Saturday morning writing to you instead. It is a hazy morning, which will most likely burn off by late morning to early afternoon leaving the sun very hot with little cloud cover. How’s that sound to those of you who are surrounded by cold weather and snow? I’ll trade ya.
This week went by slowly and fast all at the same time. It always seems when you are awaiting something time goes by more slowly. I am awaiting the arrival of my Savior’s birth and of my family! Christmas is in 17 days and my family comes in 19. I joke with my students and say I can now count it on my fingers and toes. We have a week and a half of school until break. Just think, I am only 8 school days away from finishing my first semester of teaching. I figure if God and I got through one semester we can make it through the other.
There is not much new and exciting going on in my world. Tonight we say goodbye to and celebrate the service of one of the Covenant missionaries who has been a school counselor for the last 4 years. Mary, is leaving next week to return to CA. Also there is a student teacher and our art teacher leaving at the end of the semester as well. There are a lot of hellos and goodbyes that go on over here. Actually at the end of this year we have a lot of teachers leaving either for good or on furlough. If you are a teacher or know someone or a family who is, and teaching in Africa at a missionary kids school would be a good match for you or them, then pass the word along and let me know because our school is looking for teachers.
My church here didn’t really do much to celebrate advent last Sunday. But at our Covenant prayer meeting last Sunday we did sing some carols and light the first advent candle. That felt like home. I don’t have much as far as Christmas decorations go. The only thing really is a tiny foot tall decorated tree that the Covenant has for short termers like me. The school has a weeklong ‘Secret Angels’ gift exchange that I am participating in starting next week. That should be fun. But I do miss my family Christmas tree and the stockings on the fireplace and sitting and drinking a cup of cocoa by the fire as the Christmas music is floating about the room. Oh well, when I have that again I will just be appreciative all the more.
I did just finish and send out my first newsletter this week. If you have not received it and would like to, please email me (amyoxendale@gmail.com) or post on my blog and let me know. I would be happy to send one to you!
Enjoy the decorations around you, find delight in the laughter of the season and don’t take for granted the special moments and treasures of each day. Enjoy a fire and cocoa for me!
With much love and joy,
AMY