Christmas Break

My break started by spending a week in Atlanta, GA with my dear teammate Becca. It’s been such a huge blessing getting to know her! She has been a rebuke to me in her pursuit of Christ and it’s been awesome getting to work with her and see Christ working in both of our lives in different ways. We spent lots of time with her family, had an American thanksgiving dinner, went downtown to the World of Coke, and we also spent some time doing some crafts and such.

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Going from Atlanta to Winnipeg was quite the weather difference. I went from no snow and a light spring jacket to 2 feet of snow and a big winter parka. After I arrived home I got to spend some wonderful time with my family. My Brothers dragged me outside the day after I got home to go on some Northern outdoor adventures. Unfortunately it was to cold to build snowmen, so we shoveled and went tobogganing. We spent many days inside cutting out snowflakes, painting pictures, and setting up Christmas decorations and picking up a tree while it was -45 degrees outside.  

It was a huge blessing to spend time with some wonderful friends, talking and going downtown for some coffee and poutine. My family loves to cook so we spent lots of time finding new recipes and also enjoyed our favorite Greek meal once or twice. Christmas day my Dad made a Christmas brunch and read us the Christmas story. I’m so thankful for parents who have taught me so much and point our family towards the true reason we celebrate Christmas. God gave us the gift that we did nothing to deserve. He sent his son to save us from our sins and took the punishment. Thank you Jesus!

Christmas evening we had the traditional holopchi, and perogies that Baba always makes.  Many family members filled the house with laughter and craziness. I couldn’t imagine Christmas any other way. I’m thankful for the joy family brings and the huge gift that they are.  On Boxing day (Boxing day is a holiday that takes place on December 26th. It is celebrated in most of the commonwealth countries and started with families giving gifts to their servants and people they knew who were in need. Today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday, much like American’s Black Friday.)  All the girls went out shopping in the morning, and then we went for our yearly sleigh ride. Each moment spent with family and friends was a huge blessing, such special times are such a gift and I’m so thankful for every moment I get to spend with them.

--Brianna Herms