it was another warm CHRISTmas here in indonesia, in both meanings of the word. it was a blazing 93 degrees with a stifling humidity. but it was also warm for the heart. we spent the day with good friends and had very good food. we are always so amazed at the "family" God has given us when we are overseas. i (kim) found myself to be very homesick this year. i think it is the improvement of technology. we now get to see pics of what we are missing. this is both wonderful and sad all at the same time. seeing drew at the family christmas night at FBC was so funny and we even felt like we were there. we laughed so hard our sides hurt just imagining seeing it live. thanks jennie for posting those. we got to see family pictures from kim's side of the family. it was so amazing seeing how everyone has grown, but sad to realize what things we have missed. so sorry Grant that i will not see you graduate and that i never saw a single game of your senior year. i am so proud of you and not so much because of what you do but because of who you are. we got to see pics of haylee all grown up, when we left she was just starting to crawl.
we shared all that above to let you know that even though we are so glad to be where God wants us to be, there are still struggles with missing home and family and friends and all that comes with all that. please pray for us as we are away from family.
we are still in the middle of a great break from school and work. it has been so restful. on friday we head to the beach. this will most likely become a family tradition because of how inexpensive and amazingly beautiful it is. we also get to eat seafood everynight that is caught that day and cooked for us on the grill. yes, we are truly suffering. we are looking forward to a great week of family time with games and times of playing games and talking. oh and swimming and once again attempting to boogie board without planting my face in the bottom of the indian ocean. not a very nummy experience.
we have been praying for all of you to experience CHRISTmas and new years that glorifies the Lord and honors Him and brings much glory to Him and joy to you.
Prayer Requests.
David: for a good beginning to a second semester.
that he will be used by God to bring students to Him and that he can teach them to see and seek His glory.
that he will continue to organize himself better and better so that he schedules do not conflict
wisdom in leadership
beginning seminary soon
Kim: for a balanced schedule of work, study and family time
patience in parenting
being all about Him and not about me.
continued wisdom in being volunteer nurse for the school
Grace: feeling so tired all the time
she is at the halfway point for her support for SeaTribes trip
finish the school year well.
learn to lean on Him and doing only what she knows is her best.
Emma: finish the school year well.
friendships
her allergies are flaring up again.
Jeff: has lost a lot of friends this year. (all moving to other countries). the last friend leaving is his best friend, Karston
finish the school year well.
school struggles
Abi: abi has asked Jesus into her life!!!!!!!!!!!!
pray for her young mind and heart to understand His love more and more
and even at the age of 5 she can start living for, in, and through Him.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and financial support. we are not unaware of the sacrifices you all make with your time and finances. we are blessed beyond all measure and we are asking the Lord to hold you in His hands and protect you and cause you to grow more and more in Him as you live for Him and walk in His way.
thanks so very much
