This afternoon, as Moriah and I were playing with her toy nativity figures, the beauty of Christmas became so clear to me. God's gift to us— His one and only Son— and Jesus' gift of His life for our sakes reveals the amazing love God has for us. As Moriah scooted her little wise men to the stable and unloaded their precious cargo near the manger, I was reminded of her children's book we had just read. It tells of how we, though not kings or magi, can give Christ even greater gifts than gold, frankincense and myrrh- our hearts. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a two-and-a-half-year-old was a refreshing pause in the busy time that December can be.
As Christmas approaches this year, we find ourselves reflecting on the many Early in the year, plans for ministry took a different route. The door to serving in Russia full-time was closed, as we could not obtain long-term visas. Sensing the need for some pastoral experience (while maintaining our status as AFLC world missions candidates), Andy pursued a pastoral call and later accepted a call to a two-point parish in rural Radcliffe and Jewell, Iowa.
In May, our internship in Salinas, CA came to a close. We learned a lot, were so blessed by our church family there, and have many wonderful memories. Andy received his Masters of Divinity from AFLTS (Assoc. Free Lutheran Theological Seminary) and was ordained in June at his home congregation in Mankato, MN. During much of June we were traveling nomads... visiting the Grandma's and Grandpa's, hitting the garage sales, and making preparations in Radcliffe.
Andy began his pastoral duties on July first, and has been busy and blessed since! We are learning many valuable lessons. We have enjoyed getting settled in the parsonage and becoming a part of the communities here.
Our biggest event of the year was on August 9, when Isaiah Andrew joined our family. His big smiles and laughs bring us much joy. He loves his big sis and she loves him (although sometimes a bit too aggressively). Moriah is a proud big sister and a great helper to me. She enjoys puzzles, tea parties, singing, playing in the snow with Daddy, and anything that is purple. Her highlights this year include adventures at the beach, fun visits with her grandparents, and riding in a combine.
While life keeps moving, the most important things have remained constant: the relentless love of our Lord and His daily grace to us. We praise God for his faithfulness and His many blessings to us— including you!
May the gifts of His great love be yours in abundance this Christmas.
Love,
Andy, Monica, Moriah & Isaiah
