Caught off guard...

Anyone else feel surprised by the immanent arrival of Christmas like me? I determined not to go to bed last night until ALL the Christmas presents were ordered online. When I was finished, I was exhausted! It takes a lot out of you, after all, to sit at your desk and press buttons and spend your money. How spoiled I am that I can order Christmas presents for all our family, 10,000 miles away, just one week before Christmas!

We have been receiving some fun packages too! Yesterday Ellie and I had another interesting cultural experience. They have recently built new mailboxes in our apartment community, but I didn't know how to find the key. I felt like the wiseman walking hither and yon (is it yon, or non?) searching for the mysterious building that was holding the keys! We finally found it as the clouds cleared and the light from heaven shone down upon it. I walked in and found the right room-- It was a tiny room FILLED to the BRIM with keys! The sole purpose of this room, and the workers in it, is to distribute new mailbox keys. They finally found ours, and upon returning to our new mailbox, were delighted to find 2 package slips! But getting these packages is another story, and I've already bored you with too many details about the Chinese post office...

So, I would love anyone to share the ways you still your heart and mind to enjoy the delight of Christ-in-Christmas in the midst of all the hustle and bustle. (what is bustle, anyway?) Perhaps we are not exposed to all the commercialism you have to fight off in the US, but still it is a struggle.

I am excited to say that Kathryn's teacher is coming to dinner tonight. She has turned down 3 other invitations so I am thrilled she finally said yes. Kathryn is very excited! We are planning to do our advent wreath while she is here, and the girls have been practicing their Christmas carols! Please pray we make a meaningful connection with her and can share about Christ.