Christmas is coming!

Liz Ortiz
20 minutes ago
3 min read

During a recent call to my mom we were discussing holidays. “Did you know that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday?” I told my mom. “I don’t know if I knew that. Why?” I thought for a moment. “My love language is quality time. Each year I look forward to a delicious meal shared with loved ones as we give thanks to Lord for all that He has done.” As I prepared for Thanksgiving with my teammates in Togo I continued to reflect on why I like Thanksgiving above the other holidays. Then it came to me. One of my favorite places in the world was my grandparents’ house. For most holidays, we would travel to their house. I loved spending time with them, my cousins, aunts, and uncles. Their house was always filled with so much joy and laughter. When the holiday was over, and it was time for us to return to Michigan, my grandparents would always stand on their door stop and wave goodbye as we drove away until we couldn’t see them anymore. Most times when we left, I felt sad saying goodbye, but not Thanksgiving. Why? Because Christmas was coming. In only a few short weeks, we would be back to my grandparents house. Instead of sadness, I felt anticipation. Oh, what joy awaits to celebrate the birth of Christ, our Savior with loved ones!

This last month has been a mixture of sadness and joyful anticipation. Goodbyes are never easy. As I had to say “see ya later” to many of my friends and students here in Africa. However, I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends in the US and Canada again. And giving my mom a big hug who I haven’t hugged in two years! Though I grieve a little as I packed up my home and say goodbye to life I have known for the last 2 years, I am filled with eager anticipation of spending time with loved ones and friends during the next 7 months.

This month’s theme of feeling both sadness and joy followed me wherever I went. The last week of school was no exception. I was grateful that all the students were at school during my last week. Usually at least one student is missing due to illness, but not my last week! The week was filled with celebrating the birth of Christ. On the last day, I surprised them with a video that I put together. I asked Kristin and Ariana, who joined me at the school for short periods of time over the last two years, to send me a video of them interpreting a Christmas children’s book. The kids loved it! There were many big smiles as they saw their friends on the screen. We ended the day making Christmas hats and then me giving each child a Christmas gift. They were so happy to receive them. When I shared the news that I was leaving, they were sad, but they seemed to understand that I was coming back. They were lots of hugs. Then, just as my grandparents did, the students stood on the door step of the school waving goodbye as I drove away. I was reminded that just like when I was little, I would be coming back soon. And what joy that day will be!

I can hardly believe it has been two years since I have been in the States. This first term in the field has had its ups and downs, but I’m thankful to the Lord for them all. I can see how God was at work, both in and through me. Thank you for joining me on this journey and praying along with me. Your support, encouragement and prayers mean so much to me. I look forward to connecting with many of you while I am on furlough.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Liz Ortiz

Prayer Requests:

Pray for encouraging time with family and friends during the holidays.
Pray for the blind students as they take their exams this week. On Saturday, they will travel home for the Christmas break. Pray for safety as they travel. Many of them come from idol worshiping families. Pray that they can be a light for their families.
Pray for the deaf students as they take their exams this week.
Pray for someone(s) to join me in the ministry.

Praises: