The Christmas season is here. Houses are decorated with all sorts of different holiday decorations. Christmas music is playing across the radio stations. The holiday shopping frenzy is well under way. Everything is alive with the hustle and bustle of what Christmas has come to mean to Americans.

It's odd to think back to this time last year. I was half way across the world. I hadn't been in Kenya a full week yet and Christmas was honestly the last thing on my mind. I was trying to figure out the thick accents and how the whole bottle deposit thing worked. I was in awe of the public transportation and the amounts of trash on the streets and walkways. I was completely overwhelmed, wondering what the next six months (which felt like an eternity) would hold.

Here I am, a year later. I made it! I still sometimes simply stop and shake my head at that fact. There were so many moments when I seriously doubted my ability to make it through all that I faced in Kenya. Yet, God was faithful, and I learned a lot about Him, myself and life in the process.

Here I am, a year later... I'm happy with my life. Honestly, if I had a job, I'm not sure how life could get any better right now. Even in the midst of worrying where the money for my next tank of gas will come from, I am learning to find peace in my God. He has brought me this far, what other choice do I have than to trust Him? He's going to provide. I know it. It may not be in my timing, but in the right timing (His timing) it's all going to work out. I honestly believe that. The journey is not always easy (goodness, Kenya brought that into focus), but it's always transforming if we follow where God leads us.

There was an quote that really stuck out to me this past Sunday, so I will leave that with you this evening.

Quote (paraphrased): When we forget where God has brought us from and all that He has done for us, the Gospel ceases to be transformational and becomes simply informational.

May we never forget all the ways that God has moved throughout history - both in our lives and in the lives of our physical and spiritual ancestors - and may we continue to be ever transformed by the truth of the Gospel and the working of the Holy Spirit.