Christmas Update 2011

Well, Gentle reader, friends and family, another year draws to its close, complete with blessing beyond measure and trials to be faced. And through it all, God has never ceased to be faithful.  He makes us the apple of his eye, and hides us in the shadow of His wings.

Let me update you on the various parts of the family...

Marilyn continues to be healthy and active.  At 85, she still drives, and goes to the YMCA a couple of times a week.  She also walks with a friend a couple of times, does volunteer work at the local nursing home, and is in charge of the church library. She works hard around here, too.  And she has done some lovely traveling this year: to Pennsylvania to visit daughter Kathleen, to Scotland and England with son Jon, and to Ruiudoso, NM with daughter Michelle.

Ben and Elsa have had a year of change, with more ahead! Last spring Ben completed a second Masters degree at Indiana University (one in Latin, and one in Greek.) He took a job teaching in a charter school in Phoenix, and Elsa packed up their home, put it on the market, and headed to Arizona.  They are now settled into Peoria, and Ben is a much-loved teacher of 5th grade ancient history and 7th and 8th grade Latin.  Elsa quit her day-job in Bloomington, and is taking on a much more important job: mother!  Their little girl, Adaline Bell, is due January 2, and we are all excited to meet this new Finnegan baby!

Tim, Nikki, and Emma continue to thrive in Tucson.  Tim continues to gain responsibilities at Raytheon, and Nikki is a fabulous wife and mother.  And Emma is the Joy of our loves- almost ready to talk on the telephone, but not quite!  We never get enough time with her, but we are grateful to have everyone back on this side of the country.  Ben and Tim are now just 2.5 hours from each other, and either one is about 8 hours from us.

Dave and I have had a lovely and blessed year, enjoying travel and family, and God's abundant blessings.  I have enjoyed teaching and Dave has enjoyed his work at the lab. As the year closes, a new trial has entered our lives: Chris has been diagnosed with a new breast cancer.  The last two weeks have been full of tests, appointments, research, grieving, and trusting.  We are still awaiting test results and working on a plan for treatment.  Next year promises to begin with challenges.


We are continually amazed at the grace of God in our lives, that is always sufficient for the needs of our days.  At this time of the year, Gentle Reader, may you know the love of God that was so passionate that Jesus left heaven, and came to earth that we might be with Him.  May He draw you close to himself this season, and forever!