Day 215: Merry Christmas

The last time I was away for Christmas it was 1996 and I was on my mission in Argentina. Now twelve years later I am in another part of the world on a different kind of mission. Hopefully this will be my last Christmas away for a long time...hopefully forever.

Today was a rather slow and uneventful day. I think it is normal for days to pass slowly like today did, when you really wish you were somewhere else. I opened a few presents, read a little, worked out, watched part of a movie, and called home to wish my family a Merry Christmas Eve. The snow of last week was melted and rather than a cold and blustery Christmas, we had seventy degree weather. It felt more like spring than winter...although I am not complaining. I’m sure winter will come roaring back within a few days. The dining facility had a nice Christmas dinner and we even had a live band playing in the background. Overall it was a nice and relaxing day. However, I have to admit that I am glad the holiday season is ending and we are moving into 2009...the year I come home!

I hope everyone back home has a very merry Christmas. I miss all of you and am grateful for all the support and encouragement you provide.