From Iraq to America...life is different. Language. Street signs. Clothing. Stores. Food. Customs. Holidays. Faith. Almost everything is different. But some things are the same.
Needs. Emotions. Desires.
Within the soul of every person lies a need: to eat, to sleep, to drink, to love, to hope...to be free. And to have a friend who cares.
Ever have someone answer the door with an expression abandoned to sheer delight? That is what it is like to go knock on my friend, Linda's door. I cannot tell you how humbling that is. To know someone you've known for so short awhile is so happy to see you....to have them get excited for the next visit...to drink in your words even though it is a struggle to understand them all. No expectations for you to perform--just glad to have your company.
This is her first Christmas. I am excited. We begin with the Gingerbread House making fellowship at church on Friday night. I have another friend who will help Linda with her house as I work with my granddaughters on theirs.
Ours is the fifth one since their daddy died. It's tradition....it's joy that sticks with you the whole year. Try it, you'll like it.
Need help? Check out THIS /LINK and you'll see how easy it is to build one with graham crackers and a bit of candy.
As Americans we take so much for granted. Freedom to celebrate our Savior's birth. Freedom to make Gingerbread Houses in our churches without fear of a bomb being dropped on our heads. Freedom...in Christ. Makes you want to praise the Lord, huh? selahV
