Merry Christmas

It's been a long time since I last wrote in my blog. The typical busy December schedule has taken over my life. Much has happened, there had been many meetings, gatherings, attending and hosting, visiting all the home-bound members, giving and receiving, eating, laughing and learning. The best parts of December are: Joshua arrived on the 19th, bouncy and happy as always. Our home is filled with sounds he makes, talking, arguing,laughing, practicing violin and piano. His friend Luke came for overnight and together they decorated our Christmas tree with ornaments. They played and had a good time. He also played with his other friend Peter. It warms my heart to see Joshua having such a good time playing with his Texas friends. LT arrived on Christmas Eve. Thanks to Adrian and Lynn who spent most of their day taking LT to the airport and sitting there patiently waiting as LT's flight was delayed. This being LT's first flight alone she was nervous and knowing the Coles were right there gave her comfort. What a gift to have friends like them. Will picked LT up just in time to attend the second half of the first worship service. I enjoyed all 4 services. I was moved by the children leading us in worship to Steve's sermon on "Silent Night". As we sang Silent night I thought of my mother whose favorite carol is "Silent Night". Joshua and I had played "silent night" to her on the phone- Joshua with his violin and my best effort on the piano. She had enjoyed it and the family there singing along to our playing here. All of a sudden the world seemed so small. I am most grateful to God for the technology. As Joshua played on one carol after another on his violin and hearing my family there all the way half way across the world singing along just make me be in great Awe of God and all the creations of his and the gifts that he had given to the human mind! We have so much to be thankful for and I am thankful. We had a very restful Christmas day. I cooked the feast and all ate happily. We went over to the Ann and Joe Sung's (two of our new Texas friends) house and Joshua got "the first real lesson of life's values" as he called it from Dr. Benjamin Sung on Violin. He has not stopped talking about it. It is also marvelous to see how motivated Joshua is about playing violin again. Kathleen has been a great teacher for him for 7 years now. It's such a joy to see him react to life as a young man for the first time. Thanks to Professor Benjamin for that one lesson he gave Joshua. I am sure we'll hear, "Benjamin said....." the rest of Joshua's life and it is most appreciated. Having LT around, and my brother's friend Madika who came to visit us from Dallas, has been very good. Many conversations and giggles and story telling goes on every day and evenings. This house feels like a real home. We called home and talked with mother and the rest of the family a few times. At Christmas we received the greatest gift all gifts - Jesus the Christ, our saviour. At Christmas time we try to remember all the goodness of the Lord and we practice gratitude to one another. At Christmas time we gather together and rejoice that our sins are forgiven and we are given a new life, a new chance and a new beginning. Today I had a privilege of baptizing an infant, "Alan," what an honor to get to do this! Glory to God in the highest. Life is full of surprises- who knew I would be in Texas now with much gratitude to God for all life holds. I look forward to the next year 2009. I may write again before the year ends. As I say my prayer of thanksgiving to God for my blessings I hope all my friends and relatives are as grateful if not more.