Christmas at home – Part 1

by Jeremy

After 2300+ miles on the road and visits to family and friends in seven cities, Annie and I are back in Colorado. I was able to take off nearly two weeks from work, but of course even that was too short. It was my first time back to Houston since we have moved here, so it was especially sweet for me to back at the Carpenter’s house, enjoying face to face time with Steve, Jan, Joel, Katie, Amy, Kara, Papa and Evelyn. Any concerns of Evelyn not remembering me were quickly put to rest, thanks to Amy and Kara’s training. She is able to say my name, though it still comes out as “Gabby,” “Jebby,” or “Debbie.” That’s close enough for me.

We arrived in Houston on the Friday night before Christmas via an all-night drive through parts of Kansas and Oklahoma. We made a quick stop to see Lauren in Dallas, then headed to Tyler for an afternoon visit with Annie’s grandparents. At the Carpenter’s house, life was far from boring. On the day before Christmas Eve, Patsey stopped by for a hello, then the Roberts came over for the evening. We broke out the pipe chimes for a round of Christmas carols. On Christmas Eve Jan surprised Steve with a new baby-grand piano. The following day Trey, Candy, and Trent came over for Christmas dinner and Annie’s family surprised her aunt with a new puppy. At one point, with everyone home, including a one and half year old and a 90 year old grandfather, there were also three quarantined animals scattered through the house (our cat Sophie, the Carpenter’s dog Hawkeye, and a puppy), a new baby-grand piano for Steve and a new mandolin for me. Let’s say the house was filled with many joyful noises.

A highlight for Annie was getting a tour of Tiffany’s in the Galleria from Katie. We were also able to attend Ecclesia on Sunday and were asked to help serve communion. Afterwards we were able to catch up with many of our friends from our old small group. Sadly, there were many more people in town we wanted to visit, but unfortunately we ran out of time and had to be on the road again.

My time in Houston was a much needed renewal of relationships, having only communicated with everyone for 6 months via text message, email, and the occasional phone call. It was a great visit and it was hard to leave, especially not knowing exactly when we will be back. Writing this and realizing how much I miss everyone already, perhaps a trip this Spring is in order.