Today, I'm so very thankful for my family found here this Christmas!
Being part of a large (and crazy) extended family, we can be quite a sight all together! It's always fascinating how such a group of people can be together and share so much. It's also fascinating (Ty might use a different word) how we can take an eternity to make a decision or plan. Sometimes family feels unbreakable. That bond is the strongest thing on earth. Other times family pushes buttons that make me absolutely furious. Or I push buttons and cause a lot of pain to those I love most. The last few days I have been thousands of miles from any blood relations. I am an ocean away. And yet, I've had many moments of family time. We have had Australians, Kiwis, an American from Monaco, a Dutchie and our 4 Stewarts spend some great time together! We have eaten meals together. We have toured a historic city and split up to shop and drink coffee and see old churches. We have made plans, changed plans, changed plans again, and executed a new plan entirely. We have walked home in the rain laughing that deep in your belly gut laugh. We have cried as we've talked about hardships in relationships and emotional well being. We have hugged and shared in the joy of the kids all together. We have vacuumed floors, wrapped Christmas presents, cooked and washed dishes together. Here, in this foreign country-where none of us are "from" we have found family. We have found that deeper thread that ties us together. Our DNA is not found in blood relationship. Our DNA is in the Kingdom of God which has come to earth. Today, in the midst of a church family Christmas celebration, I was quite at home. This is our family. Brothers and Sisters, Aunts and Uncles, Nieces and Nephews. We are to love them, to encourage them, to mentor them, and to learn from them. I miss my sisters and my brother and my parents. I know Ty misses his too. Today I am so thankful for family that goes beyond shared genetic background though.
Today, I'm so very thankful for my family found here this Christmas!
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AuthorsCarolyn & (sometimes) Ty Archives
March 2016
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