CHRISTmas is all in the heart

Well, this Christmas was definitely a different one for us. I remember celebrating Christmas with our families last year saying "isn't is crazy that next year we might in Indo at this time?" We didn't know what to expect this year and it was definitely a Christmas that we will never forget ...

We got out of school on Friday, December 16th and on Saturday Erik and I got on a plane and headed to Singapore. When we were deciding what we wanted to do over the holiday, we had many options. We finally decided that a short visit to Singapore would be best. We love life in Jakarta, but it is arguably the most disorganized city in the world. Singapore is arguably one of the most organized and cleanest cities in the world. We thought that a break from Indonesian life would be a great idea - and it was. The trip was the breath of fresh air (literally) that we needed. Someone told me that Singapore is an "Asian America" and I would have to say that we agree. We spent 5 days and 4 nights there. We got around on their subway system - which was easy, cheap, fast, and CLEAN! :) On day one, we went to Universal Studios. It is pretty similar to the one in Hollywood with a few differences. We got to ride some rides that are only at this park and made many memories. Two of our friends that also teach at the school (Ben and Taryn) went to and joined us at Universal. Another day, we went to the zoo. This was my favorite day. We got rained on almost the whole day (but I got a new umbrella so I was pretty pleased). We saw white tigers, kangaroos, orangutans, and many other animals. The zoo does this cool thing at night called a night safari and you ride through another part of the zoo and see the nocturnal animals. It was a full day for sure, but lots of fun! The other days we spent shopping, at the beach area, and just walking around downtown Singapore. Our hotel was a nice place to come back to at night. By the time it was time to come home, we were ready to get back to Jakarta - which meant that it was the perfect vacation :) Here are a few snapshots ...

{There were Christmas decorations everywhere, definitely got us in the spirit a little more}

{We were very excited for Chili's}

After we got back from Singapore, we got ready for Christmas day! On Christmas Eve we went to a service at a church here in Jakarta with Chris and Katie. Before the service we had super taco's (a Fry family tradition) and for dessert peanut butter balls (a Reeves family tradition). After the service, we came home and watch The Nativity Story with Chris and Katie and then Erik and I opened our Christmas presents to each other. Christmas morning, we woke up to our stockings stuff by Santa ;) and we had yummy Swedish pancakes for breakfast. We were able to Skype with the Fry fam during their Christmas Eve festivities so it made us feel like we were there! Skype has definitely been our best friend these last few months. Christmas afternoon, we headed over to some other friends' from the school and had a gift exchange, watched some movies, and played games. It was a different Christmas day than what we were used to, but it was a great one.

{Christmas Eve Dinner with Chris and Katie}

After resting a few days after Christmas we set out to the island of Kalimantan. The part of the island we went to was called Borneo (the Indonesian portion). The island is the only place where orangutans can be found in their natural habitat. We boarded a boat with Chris and Katie and 27 other teachers and families from another campus of SPH boarded 5 other boats, and we set sail down the river. We ate, slept, and hung out on the boat (also called a Kelotock) for 4 days and 3 nights. We stopped along the river at many camps and parks and observed orangutans and many other types of monkeys. We saw cool plants and even got to see and catch some lightening bugs on the last night. It was hot, rainy, and sticky but it was an adventure of a lifetime. I was definitely glad to be home in my own bed, have my own bathroom, and have an air conditioner when we returned, but I really enjoyed the trip. I am glad I can say that I did it :)

Now we are home and enjoying just relaxing in our apartment. We start school back January 9th. Erik and I both feel that we will be ready to go back! This break was exactly what we needed .. fun and relaxing. We are so thankful that the Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to take fun vacations like this while we are here.

Through all this I have really come to believe the phrase "Christmas is all in the heart" even more. As December approached this year, I envisioned myself just sitting on my bed Christmas Eve and crying myself to sleep because I missed my family so much. I will admit, that I was very sad and I did miss my family more than I have since we have been here, BUT the Lord taught me some amazing things through it. Christmas is all about love and family and celebrating our Savior Jesus . It is not about gifts or even tradition. I got to spend Christmas celebrating Jesus with my best friend and love of my life this year. Yes, I missed my family and close friends back in the States, but we really experienced CHRISTmas here. It was different for sure, but we felt CHRISTmas in our hearts. We made our own special memories together with great friends. This will be a Christmas that we will never forget - one we were had new experiences, and one where we grew closer as husband and wife, and one where we understood the true meaning of Christmas even more.