Holiday Season Abroad

    I have such mixed feelings living abroad during the holiday season, as I absolutely love both Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it often doesn't feel as though the holiday season is upon us.  I love the food, decorations, carols, holiday traditions, and time with family.  Last year, it was by far the toughest time during our first year abroad and find that to be true for this year as well.  Although it has been easier this year, as we have our Doha family here and have been quite busy, it still has been hard not being with family back in the States.

   Our Thanksgiving day this year was filled with working (unfortunately, it's not a holiday here), planning games for our retreat with the youth, decorating our apartment, and skyping with family.  It was so great to see family, even if it was on a computer, but challenging at the same time as we were missing out on some of the things we love.  I was a bit emotional on Thanksgiving, as I just missed family. It was a reminder of how truly blessed I am to have such a wonderful family who I love and miss so dearly.

  I am often reminded of how blessed I truly am, as my "hardship" this season is missing family.  I'm so fortunate to have such a loving husband, family, friends, job that I enjoy, and getting an experience of a lifetime abroad.

We received a fellow expat's decorations this past year, so we are thoroughly enjoying some real decorations this year.

We love our new decorations, but still kept our tree from last year. :)

Although, Thanksgiving just didn't feel the same, the rest of our weekend was fun and eventful.  We went on an overnight camping retreat with the youth from where we go to service.  It was a great way to build relationships with them and finally start truly learning some names.  The retreat started off with us driving through the desert in a sand storm.  It was incredible to see. The night was filled with games, songs, a message, small group time, etc.  There are a few pictures below...

To end the eventful Thanksgiving weekend, we helped host some of the US troops for a Thanksgiving meal with some of our Doha parents.  This helped it feel more like Thanksgiving, as we had turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie...along with some other tasty sides.  It was neat getting to know some of the men and women who serve our country and being able to see their bullet proof car. Unfortunately, we didn't end up taking any pictures...

Mark and I are so grateful for all HE has given us and can't thank our family and friends, near and far, enough for their continued support...we are incredible fortunate.

Much Love,

Kristin