Grandmama’s House

This would have been our first Christmas in PI, but COVID. Christmas would have looked a lot different for our family this year, but the Lord saw fit that we celebrate it together with most of our close family members. I know one thing, they are not complaining, not even the least. I showed up to Grandmama’s house this year with a fake tree and she didn’t say a word. We’ve had a real tree, cut down from the woods since I can remember. All of my early childhood memories are of me, my brother, father, and grandfather scavenging the woods to find “that perfect one”. She never moved a single ornament on that tree either. It didn’t matter where my brother or I placed them. She wanted it to stay exactly where it was because she knew it made us happy. This year she (and Grandaddy) are happy, just because we’re here. While we know that the Lord has a calling on our lives, spending as much time with our family before we go is something very important to us all.

My kiddos were able to make a memory tonight. Decorating the tree (Nana helped too), with mostly all hand made ornaments while picking out their most favorite one. Mine is a small crocheted teddy bear. Those memories flooded my heart tonight. Remembering making most of the ornaments in school or crafting at her house after school. Remembering the smell of the fresh cut tree mixed with the smell of USA Gold cigarettes, because Dad and Grandaddy had to smoke at least one before using the chainsaw to cut the tree down and another on the way back home.

I wanted to make this year memorable and special. For my kiddos and family. I have no idea what next year holds for us. Hopes and dreams can change in the blink of an eye. We just have to have faith and believe that the Lord will lead us in the right direction, in HIS time. Please continue to pray for our PI family. They are ready for us to be there. Warmest wishes this holiday season! Merry Christmas one and all!