Even though I hated Finals week and nearly developed an ulcer in my stomach, I enjoyed knowing that time was getting closer and closer to Christmas day. This year, Christmas day was a pretty special day for my family and me. My brother Chris joined the United States Marine Corps in 2006. For the past 2 years, he’s been stationed in Okinawa, Japan. I don’t know if any of you have ever gone 2 whole years without seeing your best friend, but I assure you, it has NOT been easy. Months and months will pass without us ever hearing a word from him. Many prayers and comfort from God are the two things that have gotten my family and me through this rough period. Anyways, this Christmas, Chris got to fly home. My family and I drove to the Memphis airport on Christmas day to pick him up. My mom and I raced to see who could tackle him and give him the first hug. From the picture (below) you can probably see that I won! This was the best Christmas I’ve ever experienced. There was so much love, and it taught me that Christmas isn’t about what awesome presents you get, but having the people you love most surrounding you, getting to share precious moments of life with you. That is something worth celebrating.
We had to send Chris back to Japan after one short month. He only has six months left in Okinawa, then he’ll be home for good, and hopefully will be starting Freed Hardeman University next fall. In that one month, our family grew so much. I could see God working, and God has never been more clear to me. In that short month, my faith, as well as my brothers, reached higher and higher plateaus. “With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 There is NOTHING that my God cannot do. I’ve never believed that statement more than I do now.
