It is the morning of Christmas Eve here in Japan and the bittersweet feelings of this particular Christmas season are setting in. This winter, I will be spending the holidays in Japan, with my husband’s family. It’s exciting as it will be our first Christmas as husband and wife, and I’ll get to experience Japan in the winter. However, it will also be my first Christmas away from my own family.
Thinking about spending the holidays away from my family has made me think of how much I appreciate them. I’ve been blessed with a supportive family, who never ceases to make me feel loved. I have parents who have worked hard and with so much love to raise my sister and I, and who have shown me unwavering strength and support. I’ve learned so much from them, like the importance of family, of working honestly and hard, of keeping in touch with God, of being generous, of being forgiving, of overcoming failure. I know I can count on my mother’s wise advice and supporting words in every aspect of my life as well as on my father’s patience and resourcefulness. I also have a sister who is always sticking up for me, no matter the situation. She is strong-willed, hardworking, reliable, and playful. She is my best friend. I have grandparents who are always in touch with us, and our successes and setbacks, willing to help in every way they can. They are generous, always helping those in need. I love this family with all my heart. I also have extended family that is so close and always watching out for us.
This is the family that’s God has provided me with and who has helped shape who I am. This winter, I am going to miss sitting at Christmas Eve dinner with this family and sharing the first minute of the new year with them like always. And even though I will be with Yuki, and new family, they will never leave my thoughts. I feel so grateful, so blessed, and so loved.
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
vivewell 
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