Friends, Christmas and the Plane Left Without Me Today

It is a really wierd feeling sitting here in the IT suite today when today is the day that i was suppose to be going home. I would have left for the airport less than an hour ago. It's just one of those strange feelings. I am so glad that i didn't have to say goodbye to people today, but sad that i don't get to see my family. Despite not being with family for Christmas, I am really looking forward to being able to spend that time with God.
On thursday night, 8 of us had our own Christmas and it was a lot of fun, but also a blessing to me. We all care for each other and it was nice to show that appreciation to people (yes, through gifts). It was great to see people's reactions to the gifts that they were given (especially 24's to the grill i gave them, Henry's hat from James, and James' remote control car from 24). It was great to be able to laugh with people and even at people (Miriam and her shrek mask and hands). It feels like i've known these people for years as opposed to 12 weeks.
Tomorrow evening is the first carols by candlelight serivice at church. Many of us have sore and scratchy throats so please pray that our voices and those who are playing instruments remain healthy. I'm really looking forward to the day as a whole tomorrow; church in the morning, lunch with Lou, the family christmas carol service, then carols by candlelight and then i think the plan is to go out somewhere after the evening service one last time before people leave for the holidays.
Have a great weekend people!