One of the hardest things about being on the mission field is being away from my family.

That's really the only thing that I miss and that bothers me regularly. And it's hard to see on Facebook all the statuses that talk about "spending time with the fam #merryxmas" and other posts with pictures where families are together and smiling.

This Christmas season I'm spending time with my friends here in Nicaragua, and although they're not blood related, they are Blood related and treat me as a brother. And because of that love that God provides His children I'm able to sustain and withold my desires to go home and hug my mom and dad and spend time with them physically.

I came here thinking in this way: if I want to go home because I'm homesick, it's a desire of my flesh. I am not here for myself; I'm here for Christ so if I'm willing to follow my flesh I'm being disobedient.

This holiday season I urge you and your families (if applicable) to spend it loving one another and focusing on the birth of a baby whose sole purpose of being born was to die for the redemption of the world's sin. Forget the presents. If you want to give a present, give a Bible, or better yet - give someone a chance to accept Christ as their Savior!

Happy a blessed and merry Christmas, friends! Eat lots of turkey and stuffing for me!

Abe

Christy