Simply having a wonderful Christmastime

When I initially planned to write a blog post every day for 12 days, a small part of me actually thought I could do it. I mean, how hard could it be to write a sentence or two to document my Christmas break, if not a few long posts about things past? I thought that with all my free time I'd be able to write like never before. But now this idea seems terribly foolish. I neglected to realize that I wouldn't want to spend a ton of time writing. It is a bit of a chore for me, so when given a choice between it and almost anything else, writing loses.  I had an exciting and exhausting fall semester, and afterwards I needed a break from focused work. Instead of writing my brains out, I've been enjoying time with people and time alone with God. 

Right now I'm in Stavanger, in southeast Norway. I've been hanging out with my friend Julie and her family for the past few days and it's been a wonderful time of rest and relaxation. Normally, I'd be really excited to see the sights in a new place, but the weather has been stormy so we've stayed inside most of the time and just hung out. And that's the great part about this break. I haven't felt pressure to get a bunch of stuff done or check things off my to-do list. I've been living more in the moment and enjoying the little things each day brings. Good, meaningful conversations. Laughs about cultural differences. I'm thankful for the chance to get to know people better and to rest my mind.


So that's why I haven't blogged as frequently as I would like. I would rather experience life and maybe have time to write about it later than miss out on life but have everything perfectly documented. I will still be blogging as much as I can, but my life is not a blog, and yours isn't either. We are real, live people with limited time time on this earth. My life is a gift, and in the past five months in Norway, I've learned to appreciate this gift more.


The point is, I've had not only an amazing Christmas break, but an amazing time in Norway so far. The joys and challenges are equally good, and I'm growing in faith in Jesus like never before. I'm grateful to be here, and to have even more time here. Tomorrow I head back to Trondheim where I have a few days to get ready for school to start again. I hope all of you have had a restful and joyful Christmas season as I have, and that it extends into 2012.


Pictures from Stavanger:

Julie and her sister

Side note: We are eating at Peppe's Pizza,

only the second time I've eaten at a restaurant since I've been in Norway.

Julie's parents and my temporary parents :)

Happy New Year!