Sleepless night...

So tonight I tried to go to sleep at a decent time, but ended up laying in bed for hours and still I am wide awake. After two nights of not going to bed until four, I am ready to get back on a descent sleep schedule. I guess for now that won't happen. I have decided I am just going to write and drink my tea until the rest comes. For the first few months being here I was doing very well at getting a good night's sleep. But the last couple weeks have been leading me back to my night owl habits, of staying up reading, emailing, or talking. While it seemed to work for me to previously average six hours of sleep at home, those six hours seem to be far from enough here. Maybe it's a test to put me in a place to rely on God's rest and energy. I want to glorify him with my time, and part of that time being my sleep.

On a different note, my first Christmas in Croatia turned out to be very fun. I spent Christmas eve with my friend Ivana. Her family welcomed me into their home for dinner and I then accompanied her and Andreja to midnight mass. Christmas day our team slept in and began the day at our leisure. We cooked, opened presents, watched Home Alone, and played a games. It felt like being with family which was such a blessing when family is far away. John played a stand in brother, allowing me to attack him, and all of us wore as many as our gifts as possible. Andy was with us in spirit, as he headed home to be with his Mom. I am thankful for this day and for the people I could spend it with.

Today I went for a walk, and the city was dead. The only people out were families, and a few random couples in cafes. Evertyhing was closed and the city was peaceful. The sun was shining and the weather made me think that I was in California. It was such a refreshing walk, and probably one of my most enjoyable afternoons in Rijeka. It would have been made even better if snow had fallen from that blue sky. Well, lets see if I can sleep now...goodnight friends.