I am not sure how much news that I will be able to compile that is actually fresh to you. Seven of us convened at Mountain Heritage for Christmas and so most everyone should be in the know. Yet, even when you get together, it feels like you haven't really caught up with everyone. Feeding the small daycare and looking for missing shoes have a way of eating up your time. Then you are saying goodbye and thinking, "I never even talked to ______!" I'll do a little run down.
Dad & Mom
Here are a pair that look as good as ever! I know they greatly covet your prayers as they look forward to their first meeting at Camp Dawson on Sunday night, January 11. That will be a momentous meeting! I heard that their home church took them on for a good amount per month which was a real encouragement. They will be seeking monthly support as the Lord leads. Let's all pray that this will be the year they will be able to finish up the house and have time to sit and enjoy it. Maybe even soak in their jacuzzi before the Lord comes back!
Jo, Jess & Mon
Can anyone guess where the threesome might be at this time? The Holy Land, also known as Rockford, IL! Yes, they are able to go out once again and be with Pastor Mark. Things seem to be shifting for them and they may not have this opportunity again. Joanna has a few things on the horizon and is contemplating her future with a certain someone. Jessica and Monica have recently started working at The Bulletin Board in Fairmont, WV. It seems to be a great arrangement as it is Christian-owned and they are training them in various departments. It will be a good place for them to add to their knowledge of computers and office skills.
Matt & Julie
Some of you have only recently heard of the little babe that Matt & Julie are expecting. Julie's due date is May 13. They aren't going to find out what they are having but they would really enjoy having some pink around the house! They managed to surprise many of us and join us in WV for Christmas and we enjoyed seeing them all. Their trip to Florida was a success as were the music concerts they were preparing for in December.
Jon & Jess
As we all visited during the holidays, the five kids certainly added a lot of spice to the mix at Papa & Grandma's house. One of the great pasttimes for them was "going to Narnia" where they fought battles and roamed the hillsides. It was reminiscent of the cousins who played together in years gone by in "Rock Land". Jon and Jess are commanding their family ship, trying to keep the boys aboard and the girls in line. Thankfully the Lord has allowed them to pay off debts and they were going to start 2009 in the clear. We certainly congratulate them.
Ted & Shae
We made it to WV, despite the uncertainty that Ted would get time off from his new job. He was able to take some vacation time and not lose any pay. He's enjoying his new job with a little more stability attached. He is getting adjusted and then we will be starting to help a little more at the church. (Greater Glens Falls Bible Baptist Church in Hudson Falls) It's been an adjustment for me being in the country and being alone most of the week. It is definitely a world away from NYC! Before we know it we'll be welcoming a new Monsour and I feel it fast approaching. A family of five...now that's hard to believe!
Brad & Deb
It was great to see this clan again. All of the children have grown up so much and are becoming little men and ladies. The motorhome the Lord provided for them is beautiful, but how we all well remember the accompanying scrunched life! Please pray for grace for them all for the sardine life and the road ahead. Deborah has also been going through some testing this week for her heart issue. We are thankful that she can get a little more extensive testing done and we pray that the Lord will give her strength and healing.
Dan & Jenn
We heard glowing reports of the Wells' visit to the Texas panhandle. It sounded like a really special time was enjoyed by all. Those of us at the cabin got to speak to Jenn and daughters on Christmas Day. They had had a Mexican feast with Dan's family and were taking a siesta. The new year will keep them busy as ever and we pray for the growth and expansion of their ministry.
Bob & Becky
There was also an online chat with Becky on Christmas Day. I think she was up until 11:30 or so! The festivities are always enlarged by their church members there in Bingerville. It seems they like to party around the clock! Becky is doing better health-wise and we urge her to continue taking it easy! The younger members of the Mach family seem to be doing well and are growing and maturing.
Pete & Julia
If you have seen the newest DVD out by the Montoro Family then you know many of the minute details that are happening in their lives. From Arabic to beading to printing presses, they have all the bases covered! We were able to stop in for a short visit on our way home upstate and happened to crash their "getting-ready-for-a-family-picture party". No one even pays them to go through this chaos: they actually pay someone to put them through it!! It will be a wonder if Julia even has a smile this time, folks. :-)
And a little video for your enjoyment of our gathering around the Christmas tree:
