In Between Two New Years

We are only a month into the new year, but it has been an interesting one to say the least! On January 1st we decided to take the kids to the zoo for a fun family day, which quickly turned not so fun. While waiting in line to buy tickets, Carissa stepped away briefly to measure Vaylah's height - at which point her purse was promptly stolen (taken off the arm of the stroller, with Dayuma sitting in it! no id inside and only a little cash, but they did get the camera). This was followed shortly thereafter by one of the kids throwing up, and having to go home before they even got inside. The rest of the month has seemingly been on the same path. No, we haven't had anything else stolen, but the whole family has been pretty consistently sick. It just keeps going from one person to the next. We have had the continued feeling that there is much warfare taking place, not just with our family, but also in the city. But we have a good Father, and he has continued to strengthen us. Carissa is doing well baby-wise. She is 30 weeks now (she told me the other day we just started the 4th quarter - that's when you know you're truly becoming one flesh :) we are getting so excited to meet our new little guy! or girl! or guy! but seriously, we really don't care what we have, as long as it's a boy.

There are lot's of things happening here on other fronts. The Saturday night class is going great. It truly is the thing I look forward to the most. It is such a priveledge to help try and build a firm foundation with this group. Please keep lifting this to the father - for continued wisdom, fresh filling and protection.

School is going well. We have one more week until we get another break (two weeks for chinese new year) after which Carissa will not be returning to the classroom. We are really looking forward to a time of rest and refreshing.

In other big news, an offshoot ministry of the fellowship here has sprung to life recently in the form of Haven of Hope - an orphanage run and supported by brothers and sisters from the school and local fellowship. There are currently three children, all under age 3 and all special needs. Please lift these little ones up, as we know that they are precious in His sight. We look forward with anticipation in helping rescue some of the least of these.

Aside from being sick off and on, the girls are doing great. They are all really enjoying school, and are looking forward to the temperature warming up so they can use the roller blades they got for Christmas (yes, even dayuma!). and yes we did take pictures on christmas, but they were never taken off of said stolen camera, so enjoy these of them in some traditional chinese costumes! we miss everyone back home, and count on your continually lifting us up to the father!

Our requests are: language acquisition; healing for sick bodies; continued health for carissa and baby; for our family to continue to be drawn closer together and closer to our master.