Can't believe it's 2010! Can't believe I am just now sitting down to do our yearly "State of the Family" Christmas letter. Truly, life offers many challenges. For me, finding time to do anything other than family, ministry and life in Germany in general is an overwhelming task!!! However, I know many of our family and friends pray for us ... and want to know what is going on with us. So, for you, I put together a summary of our 2009. I'll post some pics of the family too!
*** Greg is loving his job here! More like civilian pastoring than he has done in the past. He is the community chaplain for an all-housing post, so our ministry here is very family-focused. And it is awesome. The chapel has experienced unprecedented growth this year. We have a full (and amazing, I might add) Praise team and band. Children's church. Sunday school for all ages. Men's fellowship. Wednesday night small groups. The already established ladies' Bible study group has grown, too and is really the "backbone" of all the ministry that takes place here. Greg also spends a great deal of time counseling one-on-one or for couples. As you can tell, he stays BUSY. He also spends time at the gym daily (another good place to connect with people, while getting fit!!!) and has enjoyed doing some traveling this past year (more about that in a minute!)
*** For me, days consist of the normal "mommy" stuff and lots of ladies ministry stuff! Taught two Bible studies this past year ... and served as the "Titus 2 Advisor" on our PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) board. Took on a new challenge this past summer as the Director for the Crocodile Dock VBS. Along with continued part-time writing, being available for ladies here on post, working out and struggling through 3rd grade math, life stays pretty busy!
*** Kids are doing great ... and growing fast! Ashley is in 3rd grade. She enjoyed playing soccer this past year and learning some German. In August, Greg had the opportunity to baptize her, a real highlight for both of us! Alexis is in 1st grade. She loves to ride her bike and scooter. Playing outside is truly her "thing." Shane, 3, brings a lot of joy to all of us. He became quite a "prayer warrior" over the summer. Loves to pray! I think we might have another "preacher boy" in the making in our house.
*** We were blessed to see some of Europe this year. Our spring break trip to Italy (Florence, Venice and Sienna) was amazing. Thought nothing could be more beautiful, until we camped with several friends in Jungfrau, Switzerland. Breathtaking. We also spent time in Strasbourg, France. We've also seen lots of Germany, including a couple of stays in the German Alps (we even took a cable car to the top of the highest mountain in Germany!) We've got a list a mile long of all the places we still want to see. The history and beauty of Europe has captivated all of us. Just so thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given us to see the world!!!
*** In May of 2009, Greg headed back to the States for a conference at Saddleback Church in California. The trip gave him the opportunity to learn a great deal ... and meet the family of his Chaplain assistant who passed away in late 2008. He also got to go SHOPPING (not of his own accord ... I sent him with a LIST). Then, in July, we all headed home to spend time with our families. It was a perfect trip and many wonderful memories were made. Worth every hour spent on the plane to and from! Shortly before Thanksgiving, Greg's parents were with us for two weeks. At Christmas, my parents came. So incredible for us to share our life here with our wonderful parents ... who have so faithfully prayed for us and supported the sometimes crazy path the Lord has placed us on.
Thanks so much for continuing to keep in touch with us through email, facebook messages and blog notes. We are so blessed to have an amazing network of family and friends across the United States who care about us and lift us up in prayer. Please know we are happy and content doing the Lord's work here. Still thankful God called us to Army Chaplaincy and still looking forward to what He has in our future.
Happy New Year to all of you!!!
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