It certainly has been an unusual Christmas for me; this is the first time that I haven't spent the holidays with my family. I really expected to be homesick and sad, but that wasn't the case; in fact, I was pretty joyful. Perhaps it was the anticipation of my R&R (I'm leaving in a week!), or the crazy office decorations, or some of the activities we shared. More than likely, my joy came from the knowledge that, God willing, this will be the one and only time I'm away from home for Christmas, and I'm so blessed to have such wonderful circumstances to return to in less than five months!

Once again, our dining facility went crazy with decorations...

A unique altar

I thought this chapel was really pretty

Styrofoam Frosty won't melt under the lights!

Our Christmas Tree and Santa's chair

Possibly the coolest manger scene ever - it could have been featured on Veggie Tales!

Yes, those are cauliflower trees and carrot shrubs

Look out! It's the Christmas Crocodile!

We had a little Christmas party in the J4 office, complete with gift exchange and funny headgear. Most of my colleagues were wearing the traditional red hats, but my mother had sent me something extra special...

Honestly, the one time I really remember being melancholy was at midnight mass. It was a beautiful Catholic service, complete with readings in a variety of languages to acknowledge the many countries supporting the efforts in Iraq. Of course, we sang Christmas carols, and when we sang "The First Noel", we got to the chorus, and I waited expectantly for the Soprano descant that never came. Old habits die hard, I guess. I'm really spoiled by our wonderful choir at St. Paul's, and missed our midnight mass terribly even though I enjoyed the one here in Baghdad.

So, I'll be home in less than two weeks for fifteen days of vacation that I'd like to think I've earned. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Lots of love,
Marissa

One year ago today, I married my best friend, my soulmate, and the love of my life. And although we've spent the vast majority of this year apart, I welcome our anniversary with the joy and satisfaction that I would feel if we'd been together. It has not been the easiest year for either Mike or me, and we've dealt with more than our fair share of challenges. But isn't that how it's supposed to be? Too often, young people view marriage as the happy ending to a story, when in reality, it's the beginning of a long, unpredictable journey. And frankly, there's nobody else with whom I'd rather travel this road than my wonderful husband, Mike.

So I raise my glass (err...water bottle) to marriage, which is so much more than I ever thought it would be, and to the future, which looks incredibly bright at this very moment.

I love you, Mike. Happy Anniversary.