The Holidays Are Here!

Let the Festivities begin! I work all weekend, but in my free time this weekend I'm trying to prepare myself for Kenya so that I can enjoy Christmas and not panic about packing! Hopefully I can get everything done by Sunday. I love Christmas for many different reasons, but I love the traditions that come along with it. On Christmas Eve- My family, Mike, and I are going to the Christmas Eve service at church. I have to say that while I'm so glad that I'm at NMC now, I sometimes miss the more traditional Christmas Eve Service at North Main. I'm always reminded of Jim Weldy during this time too. Jim was our worship leader at North Main, and I've grown up with his family. Every year Jim sang "O Holy Night" at the service, and it just didn't seem like Christmas until he sang it. In March of 2004 Jim lost his battle with cancer. But Christmas 2003 proved to be the most memorable for all of us. While that was my first Christmas without Nick, it was also Jim's last Christmas with us. With a patch over one eye because of a protruding tumor, he stepped out of his wheelchair, made his way slowly up the stage, and sang like I had never heard him sing before. Towards the end of the song he grew tired and emotional, and a friend stepped up and helped him finish. To this day I can't hear that song without crying. Jim's memory and legacy lives through that precious song.

On Christmas Day we are having our family's Christmas, followed by my mom's side. The Huber Christmas is a great time for all of us. I love getting together with my family. We are going to the hospital to see my grandpa Mast then, and then I'll be spending Christmas evening with Mike's family. I'm excited for the events of the day. It's finally starting to feel like Christmas to me! Then... The day comes! I leave for Kenya the day after Christmas at noon!

I'll be thinking of all of you during the Holidays! Have a great time with your family!

Countdown Begins...

The only thing going through my mind right now is "HOLY CRAP!!" I leave for Kenya in 9 days!! I feel like Christmas and this trip are sneaking up on me! I'm finally in the Christmas mood though. This snow storm that we had last night has helped with that! We got about 7 inches of snow last night! Mike and I tackled each other into a snow bank this morning, which of course made me want to spend the day sledding, throwing snowballs, and playing in the snow rather then going to work! But alas, work called. It was a slow day there, but it gave me a chance to make a list of things to do/pack/get for Kenya. I feel like I'm finally able to focus!

We, as a Mast family, have had so many things going on in the past month with my Grandpa Mast in the hospital, my wisdom teeth/dry sockets, and Jason's dog dying. But things are finally starting to come together and the Christmas season is in full swing! I hope everyone can put everything aside and remember what makes Christmas so important. It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. I swear it would have been easier to skip right over Christmas this year. But I just have to remind myself that Christmas isn't about the money, gift-giving, or holiday sales!

Updates...

I just looked at my countdown on my page! 12 days til Kenya!! I can't believe it. I'm so anxious. I started making my list of everything that I need to pack, buy, or get done for the trip. I'm such a procrastinator, but I'm really trying to be on the ball when it comes to this. I'm a list-maker. By the time the 26th rolls around, I'll have about 16 different lists around my room. A bit OCD I would say, but it works for me. So far though I've kept it to one long list.

I have a praise! Yesterday my Grandpa woke up!! It's been almost a month and we were beginning to lose hope. But last night it was like God flipped a switch and decided it was time for him to wake up. Because he did! He's awake, alert, and coherent! He can't talk to us yet because of the tube in his throat, but they are hoping to change that soon. He is confused as to what happened and how long he's been in the hospital, and he's mentioned several times that he's ready to go home. His lungs are still a problem, because they still are not functioning like the should be, but this definitely a step - no a leap! - in the right direction! Thank you all for your prayers!

On a little bit of a sadder note, we lost our family dog of 12 years last night. Barkley, who was technically my brother's dog, died sometime during the night. We had taken him to the vet last week, discovering he had a kidney and bladder infection. He was supposed to go back today to be checked again. I contribute most of this to old age though. I feel bad for my brother who is taking this the hardest. He's always been attached to animals, but Barkley was his companion for 12 years. So I ask prayer for him as losing a pet is harder then alot of people realize.

Now a lighter note - I'm done with finals!! One more semester and I'm done!!!!!!

Have a great weekend!
~M

I now have four less teeth. I had all four wisdom teeth cut out yesterday. I was completely asleep so I don't remember a thing, was is kind of a wierd feeling not even knowing that I had them out - but waking up knowing they are gone!

The surgery went well, and the surgeon said it went better then expected - he didn't hit the nerve in my jaw that he thought he might, so I still have feeling in my bottom lip!! Yay! :)

So far the pain isn't unbearable, but pain meds are helping with that. Currently mashed potatoes, ice, and pain meds are my best friend!

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I would love to hear from you.

Let it Snow!

Snow!! Nappanee had our first real snowfall last night! Driving home from Bremen last night was a mess, but I couldn't help but stand outside in the cold letting the snow hit my face for just a little bit. As much as I hate snow and winter (mostly because of my 40 min. drive to school two days a week), I love the sight of fresh snow.

I get my wisdom teeth out tomorrow. I'm nervous for this. Possibly more nervous then I should be, but I've never had a cavity or anything, so this is a big deal to me. I have to have all four of the cut out. Luckily, I have chose to be put completely asleep. My consultation was last week and the oral surgeon said that he did see a problem. The nerve that runs through my jaw is higher than most. It runs straight through my wisdom teeth. If he hits this nerve, I will lose feeling in my lower lip. He said that I had to decide whether or not he should take the bottom teeth out, but I'll have to have them out eventually. So I decided I might as well get it over with. There's a big chance that I'll lose feeling, but I guess I'll get used to it.

My grandpa is improving VERY slowly. He's a little more alert, he's starting to follow us around the room with his eyes a little more and responding to things we say by nodding his head. He isn't always this responsive though, this continues to be a roller coaster ride for us. With Kenya coming up so quickly, I just pray for signs of major improvement.