Christmas with the family

This Christmas is the last one for our family at our home in Rapid City, South Dakota. We will be moving to Colorado Springs after the first of the year. Our son, Mason, has been living with us the past few months as he works toward finishing his Master's Degree at the School of Mines. Our son-in-law, Aaron, has just completed seminary, and is in the process of looking for his first pastoral position. Aaron and Kate have moved in with us and have brought our favorite Christmas gift, our granddaughter Montana. Daughter Emily, and her husband, Heath, were able to come for about 10 days. So, the house was full - and it was a delight! We are greatly enjoying our adult children and their families.

We know 2008 will bring many changes. Dee will be leaving her 10 year practice as a massage therapist. I'm still trying to learn the ropes at Mission of Mercy. And, the boxes are just waiting to be packed.

We know we will be back, but it will be different. Dee's parents and two brothers live in the Black Hills, as does my mother, a sister and a brother. We will miss them. As you get older, you start taking inventory of your life. God has truly blessed us. One of the reasons that I am so passionate about my work with Mission of Mercy is that I see the lives that are being changed. Before I go to be with the Lord, I want to touch as many lives as I can. I want this world to be a little better for some because of my obedience to His purpose for my life. As the year ends, that is my prayer for you. Follow Him and let Him use you to impact the lives of those less fortunate. May His peace and joy be with you in 2008!

Two Children a World Apart

At the end of November, Dee and I were blessed with our first grandchild - a little girl by the name of Montana Faith (Montana is Spanish for mountain). Though she was born a month early, she is healthy and happy. We want to commend our daughter Kate and son-in-law Aaron for giving us this new bundle of joy in our life! I've been told for years that being a grandparent is the best thing ever. Now I know why. I love holding her and talking to her (telling her all of the mysteries of life - and how to handle her parents). Then, when she's a bit fussy and ready to eat - I hand her over! It's truly a wonderful blessing - and I'm always anxious to get more Montana time.

Just a couple days after Montana was born, I received an e-mail from New Life Home in Nairobi. They were asking for prayer for little Pip. She had been abandoned in a paper bag in a garbage container in one of the slums of Nairobi. She was a little over 2 pounds when she was brought in. She was given a blood transfusion at New Life Home, then put on an antibiotic IV drip. They said she is a fighter.

I am just floored at the thought of someone throwing a baby in the garbage, but it happens all over the world. Montana was born to loving parents who look forward to raising her to become a Godly woman. Pip was thrown away. Somehow, God saw fit to intervene and to bring her into the care of the staff at New Life Home. There she will be loved, given good nourishment, and raised to become a Godly woman. The Lord has a purpose and a plan for each girl. Montana's parents (and grandparents) will be there for Montana every step of the way. I'm grateful that we support New Life Home and that they can be there for Pip. I'm also grateful for the hundreds of people that have given so that New Life Home can continue to save lives!