04 Jan Christmas and Realizations

Our very first Christmas together was so much fun! We spread Christmas over 3 days starting on Christmas Eve with Angela’s mom, Christmas morning with my parents, and then Christmas evening and the next day near Nashville with Angela’s dad and family.

I have known we are moving to Thailand for awhile, but I haven’t felt it until Christmas Day. We were playing games with my family when I realized we were late to skype JP (Angela’s brother and my best friend) and then drive to Angela’s dad’s. So we quickly jumped up, packed the car and had to run out the door. It wasn’t until I was hugging my family’s necks that I realized this was our last Christmas before we leave – and not only that, but I won’t be seeing my Michigan family again before we head out! Talk about a flood of emotion! I remained composed until we got in the driveway and then cried and cried on the way to our apartment. I know undoubtedly that we should move to Thailand (and if you’ve ever talked to me then you know how excited I get about it), but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t giving up anything by moving there.

The reality that we are saying goodbye to our family traditions and family gatherings knocked the breath out of me as I hugged my family. I realized that I am saying goodbye to my 4-month-old niece who will know me as the uncle on Skype. I realized that I am saying goodbye to my grandmothers, my aunts and uncles, my brothers and sister, and my parents. All of that hit me like a ton of bricks on Christmas Day. Yes we will see them again when we visit, but we won’t get to enjoy life together on a consistent basis. I realize that God is going to grow us through this move and life in Thailand, but He is also going to grow our families as they learn to trust us with Him. We’re excited to see all that God will do with us in Thailand, but we’ve never been excited about leaving our family and friends. We entrust them into God’s hands as they (and you) entrust us in God’s hands as well.

As we look forward and begin to plan our big move we are getting so excited! We’ve had our friends Brandon and Aum on the lookout for a house and we’ve found one!! That’s right! We have a house! It isn’t exactly official yet so we’re still waiting to hear back before sharing more details. Pray that the owners will hold it for us for a few months before we have to start paying rent. Since deciding to say yes to this house we have been so excited looking around our apartment and scheming about what we could possibly fit in our suitcases. The reality of our move is hitting us even more, now that we have a home waiting for us to make our own. We have guest bedrooms so start planning your visit now!