Merry Christmas!

December 21, 2011

Susan, Larry, cousin Susie, Aunt Donna, Kathy (Larry's sister)

Since our last entry we have had quite a schedule.  We spent the month of November traveling and seeing many friends and family.  It was a busy, but wonderful time.  We are so enjoying our beautiful car and are so thankful for a special car dealer friend who made us a deal we could not refuse. 



Larry, cousin Shannon, Aunt Clara, Uncle Vic, Jeff

Our travels first took us to eastern Washington where we spent time with Larry’s sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Dale.  Their exciting news shortly after we left was that they became grandparents for the first time.  They are looking forward to meeting their new granddaughter at Christmas.  During our time in eastern WA we visited with others from Larry’s family – two aunts, an uncle, and cousins, some we haven’t seen in years.  We took a short trip to Idaho to see Larry’s step-father.  During this time we spoke at a church that Larry’s family attended when he was young and spent time with special friends.



Larry and Walter (Larry's step-father)

On the way back to the coast, we were able to visit another cousin of Larry’s who has been going through treatment for cancer.  We had a good time of fellowship and were glad to see how God is healing her.  We enjoyed spending a couple of nights with friends before traveling up to visit my roommate from university days. 

Tina and Susan

People have always thought Tina and I were sisters and even after being apart for many years, we seem to continue to look like each other.  We had a good time catching up with Tina and husband Dan before traveling up to British Columbia to visit the Canadian side of the family. 

We spent a night with my brother Mark and his family in Richmond before heading to Chilliwack for a big family get together to celebrate an aunt’s birthday.  Everyone was there except for one of my cousins and her family.  It is amazing how much all the cousins’ kids have grown.  We worshiped at my home church and we will share about the work in Mozambique in April.

Reading to Drew and Isaiah (niece Kari's kids)

With Drew, Isaiah and Kate (niece Kari's kids)

We made a quick trip back to Sequim to do laundry and regroup for the next trip which was to Oregon.  This time we spent time with Larry’s brother Jim and his wife Diane.  We celebrated Thanksgiving with a niece and her family and a nephew along with Jim and Diane.  It was delicious food and wonderful company.  While we were in Oregon we took a trip to Florence a coastal town and met with a dear friend who has been in Mozambique twice working on the library at CAM.  We picked up several boxes of books for CAM.  We spent time meeting with friends in the area and ended our time speaking at a supporting church in Portland. 

With Nancy Hesch in Florence, OR

Enjoying the view on the Oregon Coast

We were so glad to get back to Sequim to a slower schedule with time to be “normal” for a bit.  We have spent the last couple of weeks getting our Christmas letter out to family and friends, baking, decorating the tree and having friends over for meals.  We have been a part of our home church worship team and enjoyed attending a lovely Christmas program as well as a church party. 

 

Susan sharing at the Ladies' Christmas Tea

Larry sharing at Rotary Club

I was invited to be the speaker at the ladies’ Christmas tea.  The topic was God’s Ultimate Gift.  Larry was the guest speaker at his old Rotary Club last week.  He enjoyed connecting with friends and meeting some new ones. 

Our Christmas Tree in Sequim

We are looking forward to spending time with family in British Columbia, Canada.  We will travel up on Christmas Eve and Susan’s father will fly from Ontario on the 26^th to spend time with the family. 

We thank the Lord for safe travels and relatively good health.  We look forward to the New Year and all the Lord is going to do.  We are amazed and blessed by all that God is doing in our lives.  Thank you for your prayers and friendship.  We serve a great God.

Merry Christmas!

Larry & Susan