Pre-Christmas Time Back Home

There really is nothing quite like celebrating the birth of Jesus with family. This is the first time Tim has gotten to do that since '05, and it's Gana's first ever Christmas in the US. Our first three days at home were spent in Nashville with mom and dad. Gana and I arrived in Nashville mid-afternoon on the 21st, and mostly remember the dinner we had that evening. The 22nd was a much more exciting day. We spent a good deal of time at a local mall. There, we shopped and also watched The Blind Side with my parents. Later on, we met up with my old friend (and contemporary Christian musician) Todd MacDonald. He spent some time with us touring the Opryland Hotel, and afterwards we had a little time together. On the 23rd, we departed soon after breakfast.





The 24th was a flurry of activity. We drove about one hour to Marion, Illinois, that morning, and spent four or so hours with my friends Brett and Lacey Maragni(while also getting to see Brett's parents and children). As is often the case long-term Christian friendships, this was a spiritually refreshing time. Later on, we celebrate communion with many other folks at Lone Oak First Baptist Church.







Our annual extended family Christmas gathering took place afterwards at my cousin Sherry's home.