Special Presents

The past month has been extremely hectic, but it is now time to take a moment and reflect.

The move to the new school seemed insurmountable, but with a HUGE amount of help, my things are there. Over the holidays, hope to finish settling in (Sharon is helping me!)

Both Sharon and I are feeling pretty good - have avoided the "yuks" pretty well.

Although TERRIFIED of the ice, Bryan's pictures highlighted the absolute beauty God painted for us.

Especially enjoyed the little bit of "shopping" we got to do. Jackie told us about a site that lets you supply a third-world village with animals to teach how to help the economy. If you donate, say a goat (Jackie's choice!), the family is taught how to milk the goat, use the product, sell things made, mate the goat, give the "goatling" (what do you call a baby goat?) to another family to continue the process. I gave bee hives (of course!) and Sharon gave ducks!

Megan's angels gave us another opportunity. Cyndi (our "personal shopper") had a field day finding things the kids needed and wanted.

We're very fortunate that our friends and family LOVE these kinds of experiences. Bryan, Amy, and the kids (and one of Bryan's co-workers) helped us with a student at school who desperately needed baby things. From, "Do you have any extra diapers?" came many special things - especially the blanket that Amy and the kids made. ("Every baby needs a hand-made blankie.")

Lin (who helps us keep things up at home) has been working double-time with the new school, but made a point of helping us get groceries in and things cleaned up before the dangerous cold hit.

THESE ARE THE PRESENTS THAT MEAN THE MOST TO US.

Have a blessed, happy Christmas and enjoy the "gifts" you have around you!