Happy New Year!
As the past few weeks of the new year have whizzed by, we have already found ourselves busy with odds and ends. We did enjoy a relaxed Christmas/New Year holiday, but of course the time soon came for us to slide back into school once again. In addition, Julia had her pacemaker surgery on the 6th. Although we had our concerns about the actual complexity of her case, she had a successful surgery without any difficulty. What a blessing to see her energized once again with an even renewed amount of energy she has never had before! We are only beginning to get a taste of what she can do at a new heartrate. Our whole family is so thankful for Julia's safe surgery, quick recovery, and the opportunity God has given her to benefit from state-of-the-art medical technology here.
Also, Dad, Steve, and I are getting excited about the medical missions trip to Peru coming up at the end of February. Our anticipation increases as the date quickly approaches. For the last few weeks we have had team meetings in preparation. I have been slotted to help out with translation work, Steve will be working in the pharmacy, and Dad will be serving as a physician. Please keep us in prayer as we prepare ourselves spiritually and physically for the trip. We will need extra grace and strength as we step outside of our comfort zone.
Yesterday we celebrated Steven's birthday with some friends. We spent the afternoon playing an assortment of games -- from Outburst (Bible Edition) to Scattegories -- while snacking on jellybeans and fudge. (So much for those New Year's resolutions, eh?) We also enjoyed hearing stories of distant Romanian lands from a friend who has come home on a mini "furlough" before finishing up her year of service there. At the end of the evening the boys pulled out their guitars and we had a time of sweet worship together.
There is so much to look forward to in 2009! I am excited to see how the Lord will use this year to shape me and my family toward deeper faith in Him.
