Wrapping things up...

Well what a year!

First of all, I just want to say that I am so blessed by all the love and support I am getting from family and friends. I truly feel the love of Christ extended to me through you. Thank you.

I can't believe the year is coming to an end already. It really has flown by. It seems as if it were yesterday I was packing to come out here. The school year ends for me in 3 days. Christmas is around the corner and you can feel it in the air even though it is a perfect 80 degrees here everyday. Christmas decorations, goodies, plays, concerts, parties..you name it, it's going on here. The skinny Santa with a square pillow stuffed in his suit really is a sight to see and that's when you are snapped back out from sugarplum land and you realize you really aren't in America anymore. But I will be there in 3 days.

There really isn't anything better for me than spending Christmas with my family--I can't wait. However, I can wait for the frigid weather I will be experiencing...did I mention how perfect the weather is here? A high of -6 degrees just doesn't seem right to me. Why did my family move to Minnesota? God must have told them...that seems to be the only logical explanation.

The packing has started and gifts are in hand ready for my nieces and nephews. What won't be in hand is my sweet Matisse. I have to leave him for obvious reasons (he doesn't have a passport). Saying good-bye this morning was very hard- I won't see him for 3 weeks. I have seen the world through different eyes now that I have fostered him. He brings me so much joy. How can someone that is not yours and that you only have known for such a short while do that? I don't know, but I do know that he truly is a gift and I know God has a special plan for his life.

I just received word that last week Matisse's mother passed away from AIDS. His father probably has it as well. Matisse however, doesn't-thank you Lord! Other news is that I found out that his father, who is in prison, doesn't want to give Matisse over for adoption now. So I am just praying the Lord's will be done in this situation. The father is in for awhile and it makes me sad for Matisse. He would be adopted into a loving, healthy home if he were available. This sort of thing just keeps him in the system for a long, long time.

So much more to update you on...before I forget.. 2 weeks ago I was fortunate to have taken a short trip to Uganda to go white water rafting down the Nile. Insane is all I can say...I would do it again in a heart beat. Unbelievable Class V rapids and the most beautiful scenery that took my breath away. God is good!

Have a wonderful Christmas...be blessed!