If only in my dreams...

I'm dreaming tonight
Of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know
It's a long road back
I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love-light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

I remember the first time I actually listened to the words of the song and realized the singer was not actually going to be home for Christmas at all, it made me really sad. At the time, I never thought I would be in that position, but here I am. Now I find the song comforting... There are many people far from home tonight and feeling as I do. I am just thankful that I have a wonderful family back home that loves and supports me in all the crazy things I do. And I have so many happy memories of Christmases past with them. I miss you, dear family, but my thoughts and prayers are with you as we celebrate the birth of our savior this Christmas.

Christmas Concert

Our second concert was tonight (and went much better than the first I must say). Despite the fact that not everything went according to plan and the vocalist (myself included) messed up a few of the lyrics, I think it went fairly well. I for one had a LOT of fun! I am looking forward to many more band practices with this crazy group of super-talented people. =)

One of the high points of the concert, or maybe it was more of a hiatus, was the re-enlistment ceremony of the lead guitarist. I had never been to a re-enlistment ceremony before and it was so cool to be a part of one, especially this particular one. =)

Yes, I am far away from home, and it does not really feel like Christmas at all, but I am still happy to be here and am making the most of this whole crazy experience! So for those of you in the real world, have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! And don't waste any time feeling sorry for me, cuz I'm not! =D

Yeah, uh... I'm in a band

It all began…

Actually, this is one of the most ridiculous stories ever. Even now as I write it, I have to laugh, thinking "this could only happen to me!"

I was in the chow hall with about eight other co-workers. We were all wandering around, getting our food when this guy who looks totally unfamiliar to me walks up and says "you go to the 10:30 service" (referring to the church service). I was not quite sure if it was a question or a statement. I replied, "yes, I went this past Sunday." It was the only Sunday I had been here. He said, "yes, I saw you there. You sing." Again, I wasn't quite sure if it was posed as a question, but I responded as though it was: "yes, I love singing." Finally, he got to his point! He informed me that the worship team at church needed vocalists and asked if I would go to practice the following night. I told him I would think about it, and went in search of my co-workers, who were all sitting down and eating by that time.

I did go to practice that Saturday night. It was a lot of fun. There were other people there who were just there to sing along. It had been a long time (I guess since college) since I have had a chance to just sing praise songs with a group of people. This practice, however, led to other things. A rather tall, bald (BICed, if you know what I mean), Army guy came up to me and asked if I would join his jazz band. I hesitated and equivocated and finally told him I would "see what I could do" about coming to practice that night.

In the end, I did go. We practiced a few songs, I was given a "band name" and put through "initiation," so now I am one of the band.

You know, ever since I can remember I have always wanted to be in a band. Granted, when I was little I wanted to be a punk rocker (hey, it was the 80s) and play the drums. So, I may not be playing any instruments (although they did offer - actually beg - for me to open with a number on the guitar, which I vehemently declined), but at least my childhood dream has been fulfilled. I am officially part of the band. And our first concert is on Friday. I am so nevous, it is not even funny! I have not sung in front of a large group in a very long time, and I've got several solos no less!

I know this is one of the craziest things I have ever done, but I couldn't help myself on this one! =P

Last week, when I was still miserable about the move to a new office and I was complaining about everything and anything, I declared "there is no Christmas here" to a co-worker who was rather appalled by my statement. I was determined to be angry. Life was not fair, I didn't want to be here, and I hated this country! However, I still missed Christmas songs and found myself singing them in the shower one day.

This was the time of year
I had my family near
But they've all gone and I have been so lonely…

Seemed fitting… I could certainly relate with the song's sentiment this year…

Oh Emmanuel, God with us
Spirit revealed in us
That we may be your hope to the world
Oh Emmanuel, God with us
With a light to break the darkness
That we may show your hope to the world
Emmanuel, God with us

Hmmm… It suddenly hit me that my attitude was totally off. Instead of feeling sorry for myself that I was not where I wanted to be, and that I was not with family or friends, I should be thankful, that Christ left His Father, came from perfection, and came here to earth as Emmanuel (God with us!). It's a story I've been told since before I can remember and yet it is easy to forget when I focus on all the little things in my life

Oh Emmanuel, be God with us…

Blessings in disguise

So, I've been here a little over 24 hours and I have pretty much decided I don't want to stay. Of course, I have no say in the matter. I am stuck here for the next 2 months (they could very easily become the worst two months of my life if I do not change my attitude about this place). The people here are nice. I really can't complain. My problem is that I'm really sad about the people I left behind. My last office felt like home by the time I left there, and now I am back to being "the new girl." I know that I need to move on and look for the good in this situation. I keep telling myself that this move may very well turn out to be a blessing is disguise. Now I need to just start believing it.

A Life Lesson

There, little girl, don't cry!
They have broken your doll, I know;
And your tea-set blue,
And your play-house, too,
Are things of the long ago;
But childish troubles will soon pass by.
There! little girl, don't cry!

There, little girl, don't cry!
They have broken your slate, I know;
And the glad, wild ways
Of your school-girl days
Are things of the long ago;
But life and love will soon come by.
There! little girl, don't cry!

There, little girl, don't cry!
They have broken your heart, I know;
And the rainbow gleams
Of your youthful dreams
Are things of the long ago;
But Heaven holds all for which you sigh.
There! little girl, don't cry!

~ James Whitcomb Riley