I returned to Doha first. Sallie came in later that evening. Mike arrived the next day. Ryan two days later. At one point I was sure I would forget who was supposed to be where and when they were supposed to be there. The day after Sallie arrived in Doha, she, Robert and his buddy Adrian flew to Abu Dhabi. Both kids wanted to see their friends there and that was part of their Christmas present. Then Russell flew back here with them on December 24th and finally! after 12 months we were all 6 of us together again! For me that was the best part of Christmas. I know that with Ryan now working in Austin at the Mariott(starting Jan. 5) and Russell working hard in Abu Dhabi and Sallie in Dallas in College, well, it will be harder and harder to have the 6 of us together. So it was a quiet Christmas but just right. Now Ryan is in Abu Dhabi seeing his friends for a few days and hanging out some more with Russell. He will head back here on the 1st then off to start his new job. Very excited for him.
As 2013 winds down, I think back through the months that flew by. The sadness of my brother's sudden death combined with the joy and peace of knowing he knew Jesus. Celebrating 30 years of marriage with my best friend. Sallie's graduation from high school. The many friends who came to see us. The many friends we were able to visit. Our niece's wedding in Kansas. Sallie getting her driver's license and starting college in Dallas. Leaving her there with good friends to help her get reacquainted with American life. Robert starting traditional school here in Doha. Russell moving to Abu Dhabi. Thanksgiving with good friends here in Doha. Then like a bookend to my year, another sad but wonderful celebration of Mom Hildebrands homegoing... What a precious time that was to be with family and remember her. (So glad we had the summer wedding with almost all of us there.)
So here I am. In that pause between Christmas and New Years. It was a great year. Not an easy one, no, but still a very good year. I just started reading One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp. That's my hope for 2014..to see and name the wonderful gifts in my life.
And I'm starting with family. and friends. and...
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| Thanksgiving at the Mitchell's with many of our Doha friends |
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| Before they headed to Abu Dhabi for New Year's |
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| Christmas Dinner |
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| Four Wheeling fun in the Desert. Apparently Ryan also tried flying but we didn't get a picture. |
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| My kids complain that I take too many pictuers. tough. |
