Christmas break

I was blessed enough to return to the States for Christmas this year.  My family, blood and spiritual, have flown me home every Christmas I've been away!  That never happens.  I'm so lucky to have these people.  I would never be able to afford that myself.  I keep telling my parents to save the money for the day I'm married with 10 kids and can only afford to come home once every ten years!  They don't listen.  But I can't complain!

In my 20 odd hours of travels to TN, I stopped in Paris for the day!  I had ten hours, airport to airport.  Just enough time to get into the city and see the sights.  It was definitely worth it!  Paris is beautiful!  It is also very confusing.  I must admit, at points, I was having no fun at all.  I have navigated new cities by myself before, but this one stumped me a few times.  The first test was switching from the RER train to the right metro.  I'm embarrassed to say it took one an entire hour.  One whole hour wondering through the same underground metro station.  I was about to loose it.  Finally, I gave up, left the station, took a deep breath of fresh air, and started walking.  I had no idea where I going, but I speed walking to get there.  Actually, the pace of the entire day was speed.  I had to see it all before I left!  When would I ever be back in Paris?!  So, at my high pace speed, I traveled most of the city, and saw everything! except Notre Dame.  I was a bit disappointed about that one, but oh well.  I did want to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but I didn't do that either.  I did, however, see more than I planned on seeing!  Simply because I was almost lost half the time.  It all worked out though, I would do it again if I could.

After I arrived, slept, stayed with Mom through hand surgery (which went well! praise the Lord!), I was off to West Virginia!  A little 18 month, blue eyed beauty was calling my name.  I was anticipating a day or so for my niece to get to know me again, a few hours at best.  It took less than 5 minutes!  Granted, I did arrive with food in hand.  She loved me though!  I think I was a hit!  The rest of the holidays I had to contend with Grandma, which isn't really a fair fight.  But we still had a blast!  She is adorable, hilarious, and so fun.  Of course, it was nice to see my sister and bro-in-law too.  :)

I wasn't able to see all of my family this trip, but most!  I enjoyed seeing those I did, and will cherish my visits with them.  I also got to see a few friends, which was nice.  Especially catching up with my former roommate from Kenya at Biltmore Estates!

I got some fantastic presents from family, and some unexpected gifts from supporters!  Thank you all so much for wanting to bless me!

Some things that I always enjoy in the US are food! like Pal's, Pizza Hut, McDonald's sweet tea, Chic-fil-A, and anything made by my mother.  I also really enjoy hot water in my sink.  I never can get over that one!  I also love showers with water pressure!  And no bugs.  I do enjoy not killing multiple bugs a day inside my house.

So, that wraps up my holidays!  Perfect!