Christmas in the Kingdom

Hey everybody! 

Well today I'm home sick from work :( I knew all of the little germs I come in contact with would catch up with me eventually. Sorry again for the delay, internet around here is pretty much non-existent so yeah, I apologize for my lack of follow up.

How are things for all of you? It sounds like the weather is pretty brutal right now! I honestly do not know how i am going to survive when I get back- I love this 75 during the day 45 at night weather!! 

After several weeks of prayer, deliberation and discussion I've decided to come back to KS rather than extending as Aurora for the spring semester. There's a small small chance something may still work out for next summer, i'm not sure. I have been battling mixed feeling on both sides of the situation but I feel that my apt., school,family, friends and my relationship with Cooper are all things that I need to get back and attend to at this time. While I know that it will be a tricky adjustment to go from Orlando to Manhattan, it's definitely the right move for me to make right now and I know that God will provide and guide me through all of the transitions that will be made in the next month. With that, my last day of work is three weeks from today and I will be flying home on Christmas day. I was granted an educational early release because I had to drop the online class I was taking due to the internet situation. So, I have intercession classes starting on the 29th but at least this gives me time to sign my lease, move everything from KC and get settled before classes start. 

Other than scrambling through all of the meetings and decision making involved with all of the above, we've started celebrating Christmas here at the kingdom :) The apartment is decorated, Amanda and I attended Mickey's christmas party [which was AMAZING!], Meg and I went Magic Kingdom christmas shopping with our 50% discount, my cookie supplies have been purchased and...of course our work schedules are completely out of control!! I am averaging about 50 hours/week.....yikes! 

I was grateful to spend thanksgiving with my family that is here in Orlando. Even though I'm not into thanksgiving at ALL, it was such a strange feeling being away from the people and places I am normally surrounded by during this time of year. Just another lesson on gratitude and humility i've been learning since I got down here :) Anyway, it was a wonderful way to spend the holiday and in just a few weeks my great grandma and grandma will be here to celebrate christmas before I fly home. 

As finals week approaches I pray that all of you have the strength and energy to get through all that the end of the semester brings. Shopping, studying, heading home, preparing for travels etc. are all coming up soon. It is my prayer that all of you bask in The Reason for the season, that He would be with all of us during the holidays this year :) 

Although work has had its ups and downs, I am doing my best to stay positive and really shine God's light onto all of my co-workers during my last couple of weeks. Same with my roomates. Everyone is working a lot and missing family so I'm trying just to step up and do little things. Anyway, I miss you all a lot, keep in touch and make sure I have your address for Christmas cards!!! 

in Him,

Laura