It is currently 33 degrees (but feels like 25) in Lexington and we have recently enjoyed a few days with snow! We admit that we're actually enjoying these cool temps, especially after a chilly surprise in Florida. Bottom line... if it's going to be cold, it better snow!
We have so many things to update you on...
First: On Dec. 18, Leah Therese Garrison, our new niece, was born! She and mom are both doing great and she is absolutely beautiful. We currently have her picture on the desktop of our computer and each time Caitrin looks at it (several times a day), she lights up and says "Awwww." We cannot wait to meet you, little Leah!
After the end of a busy and fruitful semester, we headed down to Georgia to stay a night with Pop (Brittany's Dad) and our dear friends Tony and Kelly. On Christmas eve day we surprised Gmama and GBuzz by arriving on their doorstep unannounced. While I wanted to at least give GBuzz some warning, Tom insisted that we surprise him too. (Thanks Gmama and GBuzz for taking us in on such short notice!) Caitrin thoroughly enjoyed her first Christmas and was very "helpful" by assisting in every one's gift opening.
After a whirlwind stop in Tallahassee with our beloved donors and "Tallahassee family," we drove down to central Florida. Shaun (Brittany's brother) was asked to lead music for the FOCUS National Conference and kindly asked Tom to share his talents too! We have heard nothing but positive comments about the music and the talent that was shared by the band (who were all missionaries, minus one). Playing songs from bands like Hillsong United, Matt Maher, David Crowder Band and even some of Shaun's original music, the band truly fostered a spirit of worship as they called the almost-4,000 attendees to adore our Lord! What a beautiful sight!
The rest of the conference was great too! I don't want to give too much away as we will soon be sending out newsletters, but we are continuing to see the fruits of this event.
After Orlando we made a quick trip to Tampa to visit with Grandma and Grandpa and work on our fundraising. Thanks to all who continue to support our mission. We need all the help we can get, but we're also learning to trust in the Lord. He is fulfilling our needs much more gracefully than we could do ourselves. We are grateful to Tom's family and to his home parish, St. Patrick's, for the support we have received in Tampa.
Lastly, we wish to tell you what a joy it was to celebrate Caitrin's first birthday on Jan. 3. We were so blessed to spend the day with a few close college friends (Emily, Lisa, Matt and Andy) as well as Uncle Shaun and the Mosley family! Caitrin received some great birthday gifts, including her first baby doll. It was really cute to watch her open it and immediately want to hug it. Another "awwwww." Now she's walking, clapping, babbling and... well, just plain keeping us on our toes! Each day is filled with so much joy and we're still so humbled that God would allow us to take part in such a miracle. How precious life is!
So with that, we will say goodbye, but we'll be updating you soon (both via newsletter and blog). Thanks again for reading and thanks to those of you who support our mission with such faithfulness! Blessings on you all in 2010!!!
Left: Caitrin opening a Christmas present
Right: Caitrin's birthday cupcakes with ONE candle
No comments:
Post a Comment