The Beginning of the End-December

     December is here, and the snow will be soon enough too. I am beginning to face the reality that my time here in Japan will be coming to a close soon. It has been a busy month with Christmas party prep, making and decorating Christmas cookies in our classroom, and preparing for my trip to Vietnam with Jenny. The kids have been learning Christmas songs like "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night" for our singing Christmas tree (on the left) and it has been such a joy to share with them the Christmas story of our Savior Jesus Christ.  They are growing up so fast and will be in K5 in a few short months. It has been so fun to see their character develop and to watch their little minds     

                                                                                        and hearts grow.

As I look back on the year, I am so thankful for all the opportunities that I have been given to learn about the world, myself, and about God. Life is so short, and it seems that the older I get the more I realize how true this really is. There is a time for everything, and for everything a season under heaven.  Be sure to enjoy the little moments in the season you are in right now.  That is one thing that I am trying to do in the three months ahead- I don't want to miss out on the little blessings because I am so focused on the future.  God wants to bless us now, but if we aren't living in the now, we will miss it. 

P.S. Sorry I didn't post this in December. Life got busy.