This is a first…I’m writing this blog from 30K ft above Oregon/Idaho on board the first of my two leg journey back to Michigan. Who would’ve dreamed WiFi on airplanes when it came out?

This is my 7th year heading back east for Christmas since moving to Portland in 2004.  As I was sharing with a friend who drove me to the airport this morning, traveling back and forth between Michigan & Oregon is like traveling through a tunnel. On one side is a life I lived for 24yrs; where I was born, grew-up and have the most memories. On the other are my most recent memories, relationships and career path…the past 7 years of my life.  In a very real way my heart exists in two physical places.  I look forward to these trips home for sure but it doesn’t come with a little heartache as I re-enter the side of the tunnel which I havent visited in over a year or stayed for more than a week in 7.   I’m probably getting a little deep here, but as usual I share my thoughts here with little edit and a desire to share with you authentically.

It’s going to be a unique Christmas this year as our little family has been under a good deal of pressure and is in need of hope springing up in the midst of it.  I’m excited to see everyone and am going to do my very best to love and serve my family for the next 10 days. Given that as my focus, I doubt I will be blogging much but definitely will be sharing via Twitter and uploading pics to Facebook.

Though it’s been said many times, many ways…Merry Christmas.