Merry Christmas!

Wow! What a year this has been. we've had some amazing times, some trying times and some joyful times. Starting in January, we had a training that led to 2 clubs getting up and going and at least three salvations. We had many trips out to share with and learn about the people. After our yearly meeting, two college guys came out for 2 months to trek and explore. They were able to visit several places that were new to us. We also had some of our 2006 Christmas team come out for the summer. They also trekked and shared. Then, we took Anna to college. We were blessed in seeing so many family and friends. Also in knowing that she has family at North Spartanburg as well as Marathon - and of course Aunt Renee!

So, three of us returned. Still learning and growing. Blessed that HE gave us more opportunities. And Anna was able to get back for the month of December. Christmas gave us many chances to share. We also had several parties where the story was told - and one more to go! Two parties with Trish's students, one with some Indian students and one with mike's students. As I sit here on Christmas night writing this, I am amazed at what HE does. Our friends have a slightly offbeat movie they really like. We watched it with them today. A line stuck out - "Why did you give me the desire to wrestle and make me such a lousy warrior?" Sometimes I feel like that. He gives us a desire, but I see how much I fall short - how inadequate I am. But I know that it is in HIM we are victorious.

So thank you so much - for lifting us up. For remembering our people, for words and gifts of encouragement. It is so much easier doing this when we know you are with us. In Arkansas, I was convinced to jump off a cliff - to take a running start and leap. Yes, I was attached to a rope, but it was knowing who anchored that rope (thanks David and Marty) that gave me the courage to actually do it. Because of folks like you holding our rope, we can take those leaps.

Okay, enough words, I know you'd rather see pictures:

Anna's Adventures

Well, Anna made it back for her visit, but it wasn't easy. We had to plan several months ago so we could get tickets. Then she had to take her finals. Her last final was before the end of finals week, so she did have some extra time - which was spent making sure she had everything that dear old dad had asked her to bring. Her Aunt Renee took her to the airport the day of her trip. She was to fly from Greenvill, to DC, from there to Beijing and arrive home on Thursday night about 9:00.

Almost immediately, she hit a problem. The United agent (and yes, they will hear about this) told her she had to go from DC to NYC to get to Beijing. He then tagged her luggage, gave her boarding passes and sent her on her way. She arrived in NYC with no problem and went to check into her Beijing flight. Surprisingly, the agent had not done this leg correctly, so she had to trudge all the way back to the United agent. Time was not a problem as the flight was delayed. At United, they told her she should NOT have come to NYC, but gone from DC to Beijing. So, she was made to change the correct flight and now the incorrect flight she is on is delayed. It was set to leave at midnight. They fed her and gave her a room at a nearby hotel. While she was enjoying being in someplace new (and shopping to prove it) her flight was now getting in at 3:00 am Beijing time. Since she would have 6 hours (very early hours) to wait, we decided Mike would go meet her. Meanwhile, Kenan, who has been anticipating his sister's homecoming is very upset. Mike arrives in Beijing 3 hours before Anna is set to arrive. Since Trish has packed food, he snacks and works on crosswords while waiting. Anna's flight arrives and while she is waiting for luggage, dad lets mom know daughter is here. Anna did not know Mike was meeting her, so after collecting her bags, she begans to push her cart to the departure terminal. Mike was standing on the left of her exit, but she turned right. He caught up with her just as an airport helper was taking her cart. He took over pushing for the helper and asked Anna if that was okay. When she saw him, there were shouts, hugging, laughter and jumping. The others waiting quite enjoyed the show.

Knowing they could not check in for some time, Mike and Anna sat and enjoyed some snacks - she had slept the whole flight (something she never does) and missed the meal services. They were able to check in on the 9:00 flight. Making sure the bags were good, they went to Starbucks and had breakfast. Anna was abl;e to then talk to her brother before he went to school. Arriving at our home airport, we were greeted by a throng of fans - okay, not our fans - there was also a pop star on our plane. What wasn't on our plane were both pieces of luggage. After leaving our info, we took Anna to see Kenan at his school - he was surprised and very happy. This was also the weeken of his school Christmas production, and he was a part of the crew so he had a very busy weekend. we all went to the Friday night performance. Needless to say, we slept well. Until midnight when the airline called saying they had our luggage - and brought it at 2 am.
We have since had a much better weekend - busy but better. We have many activities planned for this Christmas season, so thank you for your many thoughts!

The Masters

Sunday thought

We have been attending the International Fellowship here on Sundays. There are many foreigners here, with varied jobs and areas of service. Last week, as I looked around, it hit me: this is what eternity will look like. Let me explain. In this group, there are many Americans - from all across the states. also some folks from New Zealand and Australia. There are several Europeans: British, German, Swiss, Scottish, Swedish, Norwegian and probably some others. We have a group from Nigeria as well as Morocco. Going South, there are some Brazilians and Costa Ricans. And of course, Asians: Indians, Singaporeans, Filipinos, Koreans (lots of Koreans), Thais and some from Hong Kong. There are also some people of Chinese heritage.

So, in looking around, it was definitely a worldwide mixture. And that's what's it's all about. People gathering from all corners, all languages. But until every tribe, tongue and nation is ready to be at his throne, we will still carry on. We continually thank Him for all your thoughts and wishes.

Christmas gives us many opportunities to tell His story. Remember us in that respect.