Merry Christmas!

The word JOY is one that has kept coming back to me these days ...

a gift given to us ... that of joy in our hearts!

I decided this year we would decorate a Birthday cake for Jesus.

On the day before Christmas, already Christmas in Indonesia, 

we facetimed with these dear ones and watched them open 

their gifts from us, wrapped and waiting since May. 

On Christmas Day here, 

my H helped me in the kitchen preparing

to have everything ready for our early afternoon doorbell chimes. 

We had appetizers ready and dinner ready to put in the oven later.

There was some more facetime.

Shaun and Kristal are having their turn in the background.

 The first thing we do before opening gifts is read the Christmas story.

Papa is good at filling in with his own words.

My favorite moment was when the kids each shared what they

had done with some extra cash we gave them some time ago,

asking them to reach out to someone in need.

They were very happy to share about soccer balls and chickens given

and socks and toothbrushes handed out.

They took turns on the gift opening chair.

There were craft boxes, walkie-talkies and a musical jewelry box.

The highlights were the matching tricycles for the three-year-olds.

(or almost three)

 The kids had dinner and then went to play

While us adults had our own dinner.

It was special to have just the adult kids around the table for a nice meal ...

and although there was room for two more,

there was peace and joy in knowing all is well.

Yes, all is well here at the Friesen home ...

and we wish you JOY

as you reflect on your own circumstances 

and look forward to the year ahead.

Blessings to you, all who visit!

You have encouraged me all year long.

♡♡♡