Often times we think and pray for those poor missionaries overseas during times of celebration and festivities. How hard it must be for them to be away from their home, culture and loved ones.
And you know it is really hard; but we adjust. This is our 4th Christmas in Congo (one we did spend in Canada after my sisters wedding) and for the most part we are getting the hang of it. We have great celebrations with other great expat friends and colleagues, we have made some tropical traditions to replace our wintery ones and even have a few stores that buy good Christmas presents.
But maybe this year I would like you to pray instead for those during this Christmas season that did not choose this life but are missing loved ones all the same.
I'm talking of course, about our Moms and Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas, Brothers and Sisters; who watch our kids grow up through Skype, send us Christmas presents in August because that is when someone is traveling, and stay up until midnight on Christmas Eve to be apart of our Christmas morning.
The things they sacrifice for a missionary's choice is real and hard. But through all the difficulties they go the extra mile to make their grandkids feel extra special, their brothers and sisters feel heard and loved.
So if you see the mom, dad, sister, brother, grandma, grandpa or anyone else missing a loved one this season; give them a big hug for all of us, tell them how much they are loved. And make sure they know that even though those they love have chosen to be far away, this Christmas they are thinking about them dearly and nothing could ever replace them.