Happy New Year
It seems that at the ending of one year and the beginning of another, our hearts long for peace, for everything to be right with the world, for Immanuel, God with us, to "come to us, abide with us." The Christmas carols running through my head all seem to share that common theme. "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight." Christ came to free us from the darkness and fear of a selfish life and to bring hope. We are thankful for that each day.
Haiti has dealt with a LOT of heartache and loss this year 
(earthquake, storms, cholera, election riots....), but it has still been a time of blessing. It seems that with each disaster or negative God is able to bring something good. My favorite positive is the amazing way God uses people from all walks of life, people who have never known each other before, to work together. It is almost humorous at times. We did not get a white Christmas this year, but it has been chilly here during the past few weeks (dipping down into the high 60s and low 70s at night). In fact, the cooler, rainy weather gave a welcome reprieve to riots following the recent presidential elections here. 
Sometimes answers to pray come in the most unlikely forms and places.
MAF Haiti is now leasing a Caravan from Samaritan’s Purse, but we still have not been granted permission to fly commercially here in this country. In faith that it will one day happen, Todd went to Caravan maintenance training with John Munsell and Michael Broyles in early December. 
While he was gone election results were announced, and there were riots in the main streets. Our little street was quiet, but school was released for Christmas break a week and a half early. Todd returned just in time to celebrate the holidays with us.
Our nearly month-long “staycation” has forced us to get creative. During all of this time with no school, we have had lots of time to spend with friends. We had a game day, a day of making cookies with the neighbors, visited Ft. Jacques with other friends*, made gingerbread men*, had a cookie exchange, opened Christmas cards and packages brimming with treats from friends*, made cookies and 
pizza with the Spanish Bible study group*, bought and decorated a Haitian Christmas tree*, cooked many yummy treats*, did lots of crafts and reading, attended a Christmas Eve service and have had some nice times playing games and spending time as a family.
On Christmas Eve we received the bitter-sweet news that Todd’s grandmother passed away at the age of 94. She was such a special lady to so many people….a wonderful substitute grandma for me since we have been married and so sweet and patient with all kids. Todd will be in Idaho for about a week for the memorial service.
Thanks so much to all who have shared with us in times of joy and sorrow, peace and turmoil, those who have encouraged us and prayed for us to grow to become stronger and more Christ-like. Thanks to all those who helped with our transition to the States and during those months of time apart as a family this spring. We also really appreciate all who have so faithfully prayed for and supported MAF's ministry here and have helped us to be part of that. 
We are so grateful for the 93 friends who faithfully give either monthly or annually and many others who give from time to time when they can. We cannot count them nearly as easily, but we are also very thankful for those who pray for us....some faithfully and regularly and others just when Haiti comes to mind. I pray that the coming new year would be a time of challenge and renewal for you and your family as you face the adventures that lie ahead, that you would know God's great love for you even in the tough times, and seek for His strength and wisdom for each decision.
