The bright blue sky holds only a few clouds as the sun shines warm and bright. The temperatures are in the mid 80's, the flowers are in full bloom, and the birds sing to greet me every morning. I confess it does not feel like Christmas to me! Where's the snow? Where's the Christmas music played until everyone is sick of it? Where are the little ceramic nativity scenes that are missing a piece, the nutcrackers, the tinsel? Why am I still wearing flip-flops? The only things to betray the fact that December is here have been the few Christmas trees and lights scattered throughout the city, and the chubby Santa Claus at the mall in Managua.

     Yes, December is really here, weather I am ready or not, and with that comes the realization that I will be home in less than two weeks. I can't begin to describe how excited I am to see my family and friends again, but I do recognize the need to stay focused here and finish out the semester well. It may be a bit of a struggle for me so I would appreciate your prayers in this!

     Over the past week and a half, our ministries have been slowly winding down as schools and the daycare at the orphanage close for the holiday break. Our schedule has been getting more relaxed again and we are trying to wrap things up for this semester and set up new connections and opportunities for when we return in January. The team will actually be leaving Granada this Tuesday (December 9th) for another orphanage on the island of Ometepe, which is a few hours away from here. We'll be there through the 15th, just hanging out with the kids and loving on them with all the love God has poured into us. It's going to be a great time and I am looking forward to being able to hopefully help out the orphanage there in other ways as well, whatever they need the group to do.

     That's all I've got for today - I hope you are blessed and have an awesome day! I know I will. See you soon!