December

In December, we finally got around to starting piano lessons for the kids.  

(Ha! Not really -- that didn't start until February; but isn't this a great picture?!)

In December, Abby *did* start her reading lessons!  Her first prize was a candy-filled purse, which she was so very, very proud of.  [I'm super proud of her too!  She is definitely the wiggliest little student I've ever had, but she's doing a great job and loves the fact that she can read words!]

This year also marks the first time ever (well, outside the states, of course) that we could get everything to make Rice Krispie treats locally.  This is a really, really big deal.  

[Abby thought so too.]

We celebrated the holiday in many of the same ways we've always done it -- christmas parties, jesse tree, the slow brightening of the advent candles as the month paces on...

But in many ways this Christmas season was different for us.

We welcomed our first family to our team.

And our second family.

And our third.

With these new changes has also come the gradual realization that our roles out here are shifting a bit too.  Instead of five christmas parties, we had one - because we were renting apartments and training language tutors and painting houses and preparing for new friends to arrive.

The Lord has been gracious to bring comfort and wisdom as we process through these changes in our work. We rejoice that He has come and rejoice that He is coming again - and we want to work hard in that gap to bring many with us.  And even if looks different than we thought, He is good and trustworthy and has us right where He wants. us.