January 5!!

Nana and Lydia at Lydia's First Birthday!

So many presents!!

Where's my cake??

Grandma got me the coolest Birthday hat!

She's so excited she can't stand it!!!

We had so much fun celebrating Lydia's first birthday.  She smeared cake all over her, the chair, the balloon, her hair, her pretty dress, etc...  She had fun playing with presents and especially a pair of purple shorts that she would not put down.  She had the attention and affection of everyone in the room.  It was wonderful!!!

  

Well, it looks like we may truly depart on January 5th.  A little over two weeks away.  Micah and I are scramming trying to finish last minute details.  Micah is completing paper work and a departure check list.  I am packing and cleaning and well... busy.  The Lord has given us strength and Joy during this process.  We had a sweet family time tonight.  We ate spaghetti and watched "Horton Hears A Who".  Fun times!!!  Lydia went to bed without a bottle!!!  That is a first.  She has had a lot of drainage in her nose.  She spit up mucus Sunday and Thursday (today).  Yuck!  It really scared her... and me.  The doctor says it is common in children.  Tomorrow she is getting her picture made in La Grange.  Micah is leaving for Tampa, FL this weekend.  There is a church that wants to meet with him and hear more about our ministry.  He is also preaching next Sunday, December 28th.  It is amazing how the Lord keeps providing opportunities for us to share our hearts and His heart for this world!!!  This season is filled with hardships and sweetness.  The hard times make the sweet times seem even more sweet.  Pray for us as we prepare to depart.  Pray for our parents as they prepare to say good bye.  Pray that the Lord would receive all glory and honor during this time!!  We still lack $250 a month.  Pray that our support would be complete before our departure.  Pray for Micah and I.  We are having a hard time being still when there is so much to be done.  We need to be there for each other and to take the time to be with the Lord.  Pray that our hearts would be quieted and peaceful during this time of transition.  This process has been really hard on our families.  Please pray for their hurts as they die to themselves and their wants.  

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!!  Remember Christ who came into this world to reconcile you to the Father!!  Remember that he promises to come again to take us home.  Remember that it is because of His righteousness we can stand before God the Father and be called His children.  Praise Him this Christmas!  Blessed be the Name of the Lord!!

  

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