Christmas

Ihave been home in Brentwood, Ca for the past few weeks spending time with friends and family celebrating the Christmas season. I have four more days until I leave for swaziland and I am so anxious and excited to be on my way.For Christmas Eve my Aunt Maria and Uncle Jim had us all over to their home and we played a gift exchange game, had an amazing meal, opened gifts and most importantly spent time with each other. Our family is amazing and I love how close we all are they are one of a kind.I was able to visit family in Santa Cruz, Ca walks on the beach in the 65 degree weather and sunshine something I had dearly missed while studying up in Portland, Or. Christmas day I turned 24 and I thank the Lord for each day that He has given me. We celebrated His birth and had a day of fellowship with family. We all went up to Lake Tahoe to bring in the New Year. I had such a blast playing with my younger cousins we watched movies, played board games, went on walks around the lake and my cousin Emma helped me learn how to ice skate she is so great. My cousin Carly and I had some fun chats during the weekend about her applying to various high schools.We also helped her brother build an Egyptian pyramid for a school project. The weekend ended with an amazing dance party with all of the cousins as we brought in the new year!! This has certainly been a fun filled two weeks.

Now I am surrounded by clothes, bags and packing supplies. I have one bag all packed and one that is in the process. I have my check list......which is almost complete.

God has been so faithful in bringing in financial support as well as encouragement from my family and friends. He has been teaching me to trust in Him for everything that needs to fall into place. I am currently reading Marks of the Messenger by J. Mack Stiles which has been teaching me so much about how to build community and boldly knowing and sharing the gospel. I highly recommend it.

All for now.
You can always e-mail me at
ctempleton.alp@gmal.com