December 28, 2007

We trust you had a very Merry Christmas and are looking ahead to the New Year. Since I wrote last, not too surprising but our phones have been off for 6 weeks again. Frustrating??? You bet! But they’re on now so I wanted to send you a greeting and update.

In November we were able to take a break and see the big city. The girls shopped and shopped while Jared and I wandered around looking for them. Mieko soon discovered that she LIKES shopping!

We tried our hand at bowling and it was so nice to enjoy fruits and salads and just FOOD!

We were also able to enjoy a theme park that rained and a water park but mid day the temperature dropped a seemingly 20 degrees. Once that happened I was done for the day but the kids pursued. At least the lines were shorter!

The highlight was being able to talk to Micah and see him on our computer screen. Modern technology!

Just when we were starting to have fun we got a message saying back home there had been high winds and rough seas which caused our wharf to collapse. That kind of news ruined a few days for me. Once home we found sea worms had eaten the posts. We’ve since taken it apart and using 55 gallon drums, floated the dock back to its proper level and are in the process of replacing the posts and rebuilding the structure. Some opportunist stole the one of the Adirondack chairs Jared had built which was annoying.

We’ve just enjoyed Christmas where we all got new clothes from Aunt Terry in Florida and other gifts from folks back home which made our day most enjoyable.

Although many of our village Churches enjoyed the holiday season and ate lots of rice, one family was saddened with the death of their little boy. We transported them down the coast where they would hike a couple hours back to their village for the burial. Pray for this young family during this time of mourning.

We’re looking forward to the New Year and what the Lord has in store for us. Thank you for your prayers and gifts this past year and may the Lord Bless you in this coming year!

Because HE said, “Go,”

Mark and Joan Reichman