Christmas has looked ‘different’ for the last nine years, not spending the day at home with relatives, but I’ve always been with [family]. This year I was incredibly blessed to go to Berlin to spend the long weekend with all five McCallisters.
Jesse and I met something like 13 years ago at church camp when he was a summer missionary. I’ve always looked up to him and have enjoyed watching him walk in God’s calling through marriage, kids, and missions around the globe. But to be able to come together for a holiday, share in our struggles, our strengths, and laugh and watch the kids was something I’d have never dreamed of all those years ago.
I haven’t seen Erica since their wedding day when I was 15 but she was such a wonderful, kind friend to me this weekend. She was a gracious host, great cook, and patient listener. It was especially nice to learn about one another yet feel like we’d known each other all along.
And the kids… I was not overly thrilled to spend a few days with 6, 4, & 2 year old kiddos whom I didn’t know. But let me tell ya, they are so special. They are good and kind, smart and have amazing imaginations. They are still 6,4,&2 with their sibling spats and nap time struggles, but they have such a sweet place in my heart now. I did not think I would have much fun with them and instead I enjoyed our time reading 8 books in a row snuggled on the couch, helping dress them, see the imagination in their drawings, and play more than I ever thought possible. When it was time to leave and they’re precious faces got sad and asked if I really had to .. I. Broke. Down. *insert lots of tears
Over the long weekend I got to visit their church for a quick Christmas Eve service and then we went to the Brandenburg Gate to see the giant Christmas tree lit up for the night. Christmas morning the older kids were up and ready at 6:35 so we opened stockings and relaxed a little before getting the youngest up and finally busting through all the presents like anxious 6, 4, and 2 year olds do. I was pleasantly surprised to see all the goodies Jesse and Erica had put in a stocking for me. It was so sweet to unpack little goodies and then as presents came out the kids got so excited to hand a small wrapped gift to me and watch me open it. They weren’t so excited once I opened a book or some colorful pens since they were really hoping for more kids toys, but their excitement rubbed off on me quickly.
Christmas was a relaxing day, watching the kids open gifts, play, and enjoy the time with people they loved. It was super sweet to be a part of.
Saturday I squeezed in a 6.5 mile run around the city. It was especially awesome considering Berlin was my first solo trip after moving to German mid 2019. I didn’t necessarily like Berlin when I was there before, but it was so so awesome to do a long run around the city and see all the sites again. There was so much I saw the first time around and so much more that I’ll likely never get to. It really made me like the city and look at it through better, more holiday joyous eyes for sure. It even started snowing as I ran up to the Brandenburg Gate, giant snowflakes pelting my face. How magical.
Sunday I was honored to visit their church for service and see how they’re living as missionaries, reaching the people of Berlin. It was a good service and I even enjoyed listening to the whole thing in German. It’s such a small world; Another person in the church grew up spending summers in Appleton City, Missouri. God is so cool to tie people together like that half way across the globe.
The weekend was a wonderful time to share in faith, encourage one another, receive prayers, and watch Jesse and Erica be such gracious and understanding parents. They are consistent in lessons to do the right thing and are diligent about their bible study stories before bed, which were good even for this 26 year old to hear. I so so so enjoyed my time there for just a few days and will forever remember the time fondly. I now have lots of pretty drawings on my fridge, and a rubber band bracelet to keep forever to remember my time with those sweet little babes.
Christmas Day I also got to FaceTime my family back home to watch everyone open gifts, see new bedrooms, talk about food, and laugh and cry with one another. I loved seeing mom, dad, and sister open their gifts from me and did super well making sister cry with the best gift of the year! I miss them so so much but love seeing how good they are doing when they are together.
Wow wow. My spirits are so lifted and I am reminded of God’s good works in our lives. Thank you Lord for your provisions and grace and giving us each other.
So, Live; Through Travel 