What a Christmas!

Ghaith and I got it upon our hearts to create a family for our Christmas time, since neither of us have family here. We invited all of our friends that are here in Amsterdam alone; African, Burmese and Iraqi refugees (some Muslim, some Christian), a lonely displaced American traveler, a Hungarian au pair, and a Scottish ex-prostitute. It was a great time spent with family-less friends from all over the world, the warmth of conversation, candles, love and laughter...and a delicious Iraqi-Dutch-American cuisine. Low-stress, much joy, and simple gifts of love, food and personalized stalkings filled with good chocolates.

As we were preparing during the week leading up to Christmas, Ghaith and I prayed that everyone would feel welcome, loved and happy. We got so many compliments and expressions of gratitude that evening. We gave it all to God, and thanked him together in private the next day as we reflected. Our Scottish friend said it was the first time in her life when she felt at home and accepted just the way she is on Christmas. What a beautiful and fulfilling day of day celebration!