I can�t believe Christmas has arrived again! The years are flying by so fast! I hope that you are all well and that you find time in this busy holiday season to relax and enjoy time spent with friends and family. Being so far away from family during this time makes us truly thankful for every moment we have to spend with loved ones and teaches us that it is something we must not take for granted!
J. P. has entered his third year at American InterContinental University. This year it is in a different capacity. A couple months ago he accepted the position of Department Head so he does not have the opportunity to teach as much and he spends much of his time in meetings etc., but he now has his own phone line which Emily loves because she can call her Daddy every day ... which she wants to do... as soon as she wakes up in the morning! As well as being promoted at work he has taken on some extra responsibilities at the church with the departure of our former music minister. He doesn�t get much time to just sit and relax but he enjoys having the chance to help out in whatever capacity he can and as most of you know he is very capable of doing so! Last year at this time, J. P. had 2 wisdom teeth taken out and was not able to enjoy all the food of the season but he was thinking ahead this year. When the other 2 wisdom teeth had to be removed he scheduled the extraction for October so he would be able to really "chow down" this Christmas (and you know he will take full advantage of the opportunity!)
Emily is growing up very quickly and she is no longer our little girl! She has turned into quite a little lady! She is a great girl filled with laughter, music and love. There are many times when J. P. and Christine look at each other and are just amazed at what a blessing she is. This year was a year of firsts for her. She started children�s choir and Awana at church and went trick or treating for the first time this October. When she went to each door she would greet the one passing out the candy with a hearty "Happy Trick or Treat!" On our annual trek to Canada to spend time with my family she had her first trip to the ocean/beach and had a great time when her Grampie took her on her first fishing trip where she loved to excitedly tell everyone that Daddy caught alot of seaweed! The biggest accomplishment for her came just after she turned 3 and that was becoming potty trained!!!! YEAH!!!!!! We have started the debate and decision making process concerning schooling for Emily and realize with the many options that it will be a very difficult decision to make! Pray for us! :)
As for Christine...she is kept very busy with Emily. Emily has a little group of friends in the neighborhood with whom she gets together to play. This group of friends also has started a weekly storytime in the neighbourhood. Of course Christine tells the story on her turn and takes Emily to the other places. Along with weekly trips to the library and the many activities at the church Christine isn't lacking for something to do. She also is teaching piano lessons twice a week and her students are a joy to teach so she has enjoyed getting back into teaching.
Every year that passes makes Georgia seem more like home and we are grateful for the people who have opened their homes and hearts to us this year! Holidays are always the most difficult times to be away from family but I thank God that they are still here on earth and that I can talk to them any time I want to pick up the phone or turn on the computer! A few times a year we ask, "Why did we have to move THIS far away from family and familiarity" but then God always reminds through many different ways that we are here for a reason, no matter if we know that reason or not. We would rather be here where He wants us then somewhere else just to satisfy ourselves!
Sorry about that last picture!! We are thankful for those who have been friends through the thick and thin and for those new friends that the Lord has placed into our lives. What a blessing you are!
To our families... well you know!! :)
We wish you the happiest of holidays and hope you find time to remember what this season is all about!