december 2025.

December was full in the very best way, marked by meaningful moments at school, beautiful celebrations, unexpected adventures, and the joy of returning to familiar faces.

At school, one of the highlights was supporting my students on their class field trip to a rock climbing wall. The facility is owned by a Christian missionary organization that focuses on discipling children and supporting them as they navigate friendships and personal growth. It was such a gift to watch my students challenge themselves, encourage one another, and experience learning in a new environment. This month also brought lots of excitement around my engagement. My students were thrilled and are still wrapping their minds around calling me by a different name next year! It has brought many smiles and sweet conversations.

The weather in Nairobi was absolutely beautiful, and I soaked up as much time outdoors as possible before trading sunshine for snow. Just before leaving, I attended a close friend’s wedding – a five-day Sikh Indian celebration. It was an incredible cultural learning experience and such a joy to celebrate my friend during such a meaningful season of her life.

Near the end of December, I flew to Canada and sat next to the sweetest 80-year-old man on one of my flights. It was his very first flight, and he was traveling to America to visit his son. His childlike joy was contagious, and we spent much of the flight practicing Swahili since his English was limited. It was one of those simple, unexpected moments that made travel feel truly special, where you know God orchestrated it.

On the journey to Canada, I also had a long 12-hour layover in Paris. I was able to meet up with a friend and spend time exploring the city together. It was such a gift and a memory I will treasure.

I then spent two wonderful weeks in Canada with family and friends. I’ll be honest—it was a shock to the system leaving sunny 30°C Nairobi and arriving in -30°C weather! Still, the time was rich with family moments, being an aunt to my nephews, and reliving some of the winter nostalgia from my childhood. I am SO grateful for this trip and the possibility to see family during the Christmas season. I haven’t spend a Christmas in Canada in 5 years and never with my nephews, so it was all so special. Also, I was grateful to see some of you at church and to thank you in person for supporting my market friends’ work. I hope to see them again this month so I can pass along the funds from your generous purchases.

The journey back to Kenya, however, was not for the faint of heart. What should have been a straightforward trip turned into a 60-hour adventure with cancelled flights, an unexpected hotel stay, and the purchase of a new one-way ticket. But I finally made it back. It is so good to be home, back in the sunshine and reunited with my students and friends.

December was full of contrast, celebration, challenge, and grace. I’m deeply thankful for each piece of it and for all of you who continue to walk alongside me in this journey.

-j.