Merry Christmas...
Monday, December 26, 2011 at 11:39 As the New Year approaches I (Natalie) have made a promise (with much 'encouragement' from friends and family far away) that I will do a better job of blogging and updating about life and ministry.
It has been such a long time since I last wrote, I hardly know where to start. I won't entertain you with every little event of our life each time I blog. But I will take a few sentences just now to catch you up on where we are, what we have been doing, and who the boys are at this stage in life.
We are still currently living in Edinburgh, Scotland. Chad is in the second half of his PhD studies in Theological Ethics. He is very much enjoying the work and challenges, and feels good about how his writing is taking shape. More to come on that in the coming year! As most of you know he has just returned from Palestine as a member of a peace delegation with CPT (Christian Peacemaker Teams). It was an amazing experience for him to serve Palestinian children and communities in this way and was a highlight of his year. Thank you all for your prayers and support. (You can see more about his trip through his link on the main page of our website.)
I am currently working with two families as a nanny. For those who did not know, when we moved to Edinburgh I gained my registration certificate to teach Primary School here in Scotland, only to find out not many teaching jobs were available in Edinburgh after the global financial crisis of the past few years. God is good and always provides. I was connected with a very special family who I have work with the past year and now a second family. I look forward to being back in the classroom soon enough, but for now I get to care for five sweet little ones.
The boys are great and thriving! Luke is now 5 and is full of life to say the least. He started school this year and is loving his teachers, friends and learning. He enjoys any active sports and play. He has always been one to laugh and smile a lot and does what he can to make others do the same. Paul Michael is 8 (9 in January, yikes!). He also loves school and learning. His love of music has continued and he now finds joy in playing the violin. He is a Cub Scout and thrives outdoors, hiking and camping (his daddy couldn't be more happy).
We continue to be blessed as a family. We live with a wonderful community of neighbors, we are a part of a warm church family, and we are lucky with technology to keep strong connection with family and friends living far away. When reflecting on the past year I just feel simply happy. We have had our share of challenges, but with so many special relationships coming from every direction to support our family and ministry, we have all been happy, healthy, and peaceful.
It is our prayer that you have had a blessed year and that you have felt supported through good and bad times, and you are enjoying the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace!
Peace to you all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!