Tonight, for the first time since leaving Ohio, I attended a wonderful candle light service at First United Methodist. I've so missed the beauty of the decorations and the joy of singing carols and taking communion. For a few minutes one can believe that maybe "peace on earth, good will to men," may really happen for longer then the time it takes to sing Silent Night.

Despite going into the evening with some bad feelings about things that aren't really in my control, I came out of it happy for the experience, and happy to have shared it with my two kids. I feel a strong sense of peace and happiness tonight. I have a home, and a church family that knows me and cares about my family.

I'm part of the community now. That alone is the best Christmas present I could ever receive.

Merry Christmas 2009.