Merry Christmas

Dear friends and family,

I know it has been a month since I have posted last. We are having computer issues which still are not totally resolved but I can at least give you this update. We received a very special Christmas present yesterday. The embassy cleared our paper work and that means that we are entering the last step. It was actually sent to us Sabbath. Some embassy person was working extra with a holiday approaching. Thank you whoever it was. I can't describe the difficulty of waiting through the last few steps especially since we thought Aaron might me be home for Christmas. But this was just the encouragement that I needed. Soon Aaron will be in our arms and I will begin to figure out this mommy thing.

Since it was Christmas Brandy Paul Perry and I were talking about the Christmas story and where we put the emphasis. Not that one part is more important than another but where we focus. They said in Nigeria the part of Herod and the ruling over the people is emphasised and how the birth of the Christ child brought freedom. We often focus on the birth and don't always look ahead to all the birth would mean to you and me. I encourage you to read the Christmas story and look for something you haven't seen before in the story (Luke 2 and Matthew 1:18 and through chapter 2).

We had the pleasure of having an early Christmas this past weekend. David and Kim and Anthony were here. Much good eating and visiting happened. We also had the Smith's for dinner with everyone. It is fun to have a full house(13). Last year we started a new Christmas tradition that included eating ribs. I am flattered that my family likes my ribs so I boil and broil with a homemade sauce. Today I am going to go eat lunch with Perry. He is at work and this evening we will have a small Christmas celebration.

May the Lord Bless you and Keep you through this Christmas season.