Together Again

During their second night with us, we gathered in our living room for a family time. I asked David, Sara, and Hannah, along with Martha and Jonathan, the first of several questions, “What has brought you the most joy this past year?” Without hesitation Martha piped up, “My greatest joy this past year is having all of us together right now as a family.”

Everyone else agreed. Despite David’s first full year of employment, Sara being on her own, and Hannah’s varied college adventures, all agreed that it was wonderful to be together again after nearly 9 months of separation. It’s a time of fun, resting, and renewing our joy to serve the Lord wholeheartedly wherever he places us.

So, we are near heaven this week as we enjoy each others presence. Yesterday we gathered in the yard for a family picture (upper left). We visited the farm of one of our church leaders who is developing a livelihood project. On Tuesday we plan to visit our two government operated hospitals and distribute gifts to the children in the wards.

The week after Christmas we have to attend our mission meeting outside of Manila. David, Sara, and Hannah will leave the meeting early on January 2 to return to the States. Please pray especially for Sara as she returns to Fort Worth. This month, she finished her Associates Degree in Graphic Communications and will begin looking for a job in this difficult economic environment.

Also, please pray for Martha and Jonathan’s emotional adjustment to after their siblings leave, knowing this time it will be a full year before we can all be together again next Christmas, Lord willing, although Hannah plans to return here during her summer break.

During our family time, we observed that during the original Christmas, no one gave gifts to each other. Rather, God gave to us the gift of His only Son; the Wise Men gave gifts back to God through His newborn Son. As you celebrate Christmas, please take time to remember (and to give through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering) the millions around the world who have yet to hear why we celebrate Christmas.