Another year is almost past us and the time for sending you Season's Greetings is already here.
We hope that as you look back on 2006, you can see the hand of God holding you, guiding you, and providing for your needs. May the celebration of His birth be cause for renewed joy and hope in your hearts today!
Our year in review:
Dave was able to travel to Brazil in January to attend the AFLC Annual Conference. We are thankful to friends who made this trip possible. Dave was encouraged to see the transition taking place as the Brazilian leadership carries on the work of sharing the Gospel. He connected with former co-workers, students, and friends and brought home some of our favorite Brazilian treats, including scrupmtious coffee!
May included a trip for Esther and Sarah to an adoption reunion in Orlando, Florida. Every year the children from the special needs home where Esther spent part of her first years, gather together with their parents to enjoy renewing friendships, and offering support to one another. This year we were joined by several Korean social workers and a wonderful photographer, Mr. Cho, who took time off of his high-fashion magazine assignments to capture our reunion on film. We got a chuckle thinking of the usual models he photographs compared to us tired mommies with our wiggly kiddos.
The Nelson 7 loaded up our van and embarked on a month long camping trip in June. Seven people, one van, one tent, and thousands of miles on the road made for the makings of some good (and questionable) family folklore. Despite the close quarters, we enjoyed spending time together with no telephones or appointments. We had the privilege of meeting up with friends in Oregon, Washington, and California. We also were able to spend a few days with Dave's sister and her family whom we hadn't seen in six years. Thanks to those of you who opened your homes (and showers) to us and gave us a reprieve from sleeping with raccoons!
A quick update on what most of you want to know:
Esther, 4, talking up a storm. Still wants Mom to fix her her favorite Korean food, Kim-bop, sticky rice wrapped in seaweed sheets. Esther is an actress. She currently is breaking out of her role as a dancing horse to be the reindeer who taunt Rudolph. She also takes on the part of Santa. Mom gets the star assignment of being Rudloph. Esther keeps us hopping!
Benjamin, 8, lights up our home with his "benisms." Ben has perpetual energy and uses it on the soccer and baseball fields. If we can't find him on the ground, he is up in a tree. When he is still, he enjoys a good book. He spends time with his buddies playing outdoor games.
Samuel, 11, getting taller by the day. Sam is student council secretary and takes his role very seriously. Opening up the freezer door can be a shocking event when Scientist Sam is at work. He comes up with some interesting experiments! He continues to enjoy soccer in the Spring and Fall. This year he is learning to play percussion instruments.
Rachel, 12, continues with her love of horses. Rachel usually can be found with a stash of paper, a pile of pens, and her favorite CD playing as she draws pictures for friends and family. Rachel also has become an avid reader. She enjoys playing outside with her friends and can play soccer with the best of them. She enjoys helping make treats for our family and friends.
Josiah, 15, our son who has passed Mom in height and is almost eye to eye with Dad. Josiah is our guitar player, computer guru, great driver, and late night talker. He is active in youth group and with one of our worship teams at church. He keeps busy in the warm months with lawn mowing, and is now enjoying the beginnings of his own e-bay business.
Sarah, when not manning the laundry room or oven, enjoys speaking at women's events. She also recently started working part-time at a local restaurant. Dave continues to pastor a local congregation and also is driving a morning transportation route. The majority of our non-working hours are devoted to our family. When we are able, we enjoy sneaking out for an afternoon of browsing at a bookstore and a cup of coffee for Sarah and a Coke for Dave.
So, there you are. A long update on the Nelsons sent with a big hug and hopes for you and yours to have a hope filled Christmas season.
Merry Christmas!
No comments:
Post a Comment