A Holler Joller Christmas

With much anticipation we awaited the arrival of our true Christmas gift, the Hollers. It took eleven hours but they finally arrived. The problem with showing people around is that I am still trying to find my own way around. It was so great to see everyone the girls have all grown (finally).

We went to Gatlinburg and Seiverville and went shopping. We had a great time with them. They were here for about four and half days, not long enough. RaChael kept commenting that it was too quiet and people were shockingly polite. We had opened our gifts on Christmas Eve and then shared Christmas with the Hollers. It was great cooking with my sister again. We had an Italian meal. On the last day we took them downtown town to the Sun Sphere and Chocolate Factory. With much pleading and begging for a longer stay on the girl's part, we said our goodbyes.

-Tina

For...

"...God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NIV

Merry Christmas from Tennessee!

Famous Last Words

I told Norm when we got here, we were going to take it easy...you know, just sit back enjoy the church service but not really get involved. This did not last. Last week we went to the convelescent home with our church and sang songs to/with the residents. The worship leader asked 'who is singing harmony'. Guilty as charged I said. We talked about me singing with worship team. I am excited about this. I have also signed to do children's church once a month with the help of Hope and Grace. We also enjoyed the Knoxville Christmas Parade along with 30,000 residents at the pastors loft overlooking the parade. If I have to explain why we came one more time............. It is funny; everyone that I have met that goes to our church are transplants; all have the same story (although not as crazy as ours). Each visited the area, fell in love and moved.

Yes, I have changed my mind. I have decided the best way to really feel a part of this new adventure is to jump in with both feet. Each week all of us have helped tear down the church (it is in a movie theater). Plus, we are getting involved with the girls' schools and have tried to attend various functions around town (although it would be impossible to attend everything). We went to the Art Museum and tomorrow after church, we will go to the Museum of Science and Energy. I am now going on job interviews and will be starting school again. I only have two more classes until I am finished with my Hospitality degree.

To feel even more at home, we went to a BBQ place. I would have asked for a veggie burger, but I am sure they would have no idea what I was talking about. What did we have? Four turkey sandwiches....okay, maybe we have a little ways to go.

Tina