Dreaming Of An Argentina Christmas

Wow. It’s Christmas already?

Christmas in Argentina is the opposite of what I’m used to…it’s going to be around 100 degrees on Christmas Eve and about 85 on Christmas. Not that it’s always a White Christmas in Oklahoma—but it’s typically not this hot. I keep forgetting that it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

What does Christmas look for me this year?

Well, I’ll be honest; I thought it would be harder for me than it has been since this is the first Christmas away from home. It’s been really strange to see how although I do miss my family sometimes, I haven’t really been “homesick.” Maybe the whole dripping-in-sweat-walking-to-dinner thing is what has stopped me from having the Holiday blues. Or maybe it just hasn’t hit me that it’s been almost 3 months since I last hugged my family or saw the plains of Oklahoma. Or maybe God is using this season to instill some new things in my heart and has kept me from feeling ill for home.

Whatever the reason; don’t mistake what I’m saying; it’s hard to not see the niece and nephews, it’s difficult to realize that my closest friends aren’t experiencing the growth, seeing the majestic wonders of the mountains or being a part of the hundreds of squad-wide inside jokes that are happening. It’s hard that I forget who I’ve updated with what and who I haven’t. And it’s hard that in some ways; my crowd back home just won’t get what’s going on here and I’m learning that it’s okay.

So as for Christmas at YWAM Mendoza:

We’ll be going to hospital tomorrow to spread Christmas cheer, eating lots of food, doing a Secret Santa stocking exchange, and staying up really late (all on Christmas Eve). Christmas will be a lazy day of sleeping in and swimming in the biggest swimming pool we’ve ever laid eyes on.

Also, some of my squad and I are going to watch Home Alone 1 and 2 together on Christmas Eve since I watch it every year with my family and that isn’t possible this year.

And all the while reflecting on Who we are celebrating: Jesus. The reason for the season in more ways than one (He’s the reason for this season and also the reason for my season).

If you’re spending Christmas with your family: hug them tight and have fun making memories and participating in traditions.

If you’re away from family this year: Make your own traditions and spend time with Jesus; He loves you and wants to spend time with you.

Side note: I’m in love with all things Argentina. The culture, people, and just the country in general are all absolutely beautiful I even bought my first Mate cup (I can tell you all about it if you want to hear about it).