Samuel’s Christmas Visit

This Christmas, our family was blessed with the special gift of having our oldest son, Samuel, home in Ethiopia for three wonderful weeks. Samuel, a freshman at Samford University in the U.S., hadn’t been back to Ethiopia since leaving for college, making this visit a much-anticipated and joyful time for all of us.

Though Samuel has been thriving in college, there’s something special about returning to our Ethiopian home. His time in Ethiopia over the Christmas break was a much-needed recharge, filled with reconnecting with family and friend. It was clear how much he cherished being back, enjoying quality time with friends and family, and soaking in the peace that only being home can bring.

One of the highlights of Samuel’s visit was reconnecting with his three younger brothers. The distance and time apart made their reunion even more special, as they quickly fell back into their old routines—laughing, playing basketball, and making lasting memories.

While Samuel enjoyed being home, he’s also thriving in college life at Samford University. From academics to new friendships and managing the basketball team, Samuel is embracing every opportunity. His time away has been a season of growth—personally, academically, and spiritually—and we couldn’t be prouder of how he’s navigating this new chapter.

When it was time for Samuel to return to Samford, it was a bittersweet farewell. Though we were sad to see him leave, we’re incredibly thankful for the time we spent together. Those three weeks felt like a treasure, reminding us of the importance of family and the preciousness of time shared.