Christmas is just a few days away and although I have spent aimless and unproductive days where I could have been writing Christmas cards these last couple months have been so busy that we have been overwhelmed.
As you may know Eddie is opening a ceramics studio in old downtown Mount Vernon. The building we purchased has been a challenge. We are fixing it up for not only a studio and show gallery, but also for us to live in. Our 5th wheel “cabin” located in the Alger community called Whatcom Meadows will soon be our "weekend cabin" as we join the downtown community.
This will be our kitchen!
Micah putting in the floor in the loft
We have spent many a day, morning to night, working. After the loft is livable, the clay studio needs to be outfitted and Eddie needs to begin working on his art. We have two potter’s wheels but Eddie is currently focused on hand built pieces and developing new decorative techniques. A few family members, including myself are looking forward to getting our hands muddy and seeing where our creativity will take us.
So, you may wonder, are we going to Oaxaca this year? Well, yes and no.
On January 7thI will be returning to the mission where we have worked for the past 6 years. I plan to stay at Roca Blanca for two months.
It will be difficult in many ways going without Eddie. I have spent several weeks there without him before, and quite honestly, I missed him terribly. Also, Eddie’s contribution to the clinic outreaches as well as what his humor and ability to build relationships brings to the experience of our visiting teams will be missed. But it is essential that he stay, work on the studio and begin what has been a longtime dream.
As I prepare to go I look forward to working with Laura and David Nelson, Drs. Mary Kay and Dave Ness, and our dear friend Bertha, as well as the Mexican clinic staff.
with Drs. Dave and Mary Kay at a Clinic family bbq
I will be returning to Roca Blanca after 10 months absence. There have been many babies born while we were away, I am eager to hold them and see their parents who are dear to us and are part of our Mexican family life.
There are new programs and groups this year, Medical missionary students from Elim Bible, the new language academy and others. When we return there is always some kind of change in staff and housing. It is always a little scary to know that I am going into a new situation.
distributing medications and giving administration directions with Inez who is interpreting Spanish to Mixtec
Still every year the Father proves His faithfulness. The new faces of the outreach teams, the open hearts, the longing to know God’s presence, the desire to serve, this is what outreach teams bring with them from the states. What they bring gives me life which I seek to return to them as I minister to them.
The faithful missionaries like the Nelsons and the Kershners at Roca Blanca, or PastorMiguel and Pastor Carmela in the Ixtayutla region, or dear Rebecca and Arnulfo in Nopala inspire and challenge me with their faith, constancy, and honesty dealing with real life and big challenges. Sometimes for me all I do is arrive and let God do His work.
Brrr...it's cold!
Unlike Mexico, it is cold here in Washington in December! Eddie and I did have a months respite from the cold when we made a visit south to Cofradia where our daughter lives.
Kai kept us on our toes, he seemed to get a little seasick when we went sailing, he didn't say so, but he got real quiet and just wanted to sleep. But we did have a wonderful time...and saw the first whale of the season!
It was great joy to me to see my grandson helping with the rigging. Thank you Pat and Jeanne for your hospitality and kindness to our family. If anyone plans to be in Mazatlan check out the Schooner Patricia Belle for a wonderful diversion. www.patriciabelle.com/
A time for Thankfulness
This has been a difficult month for me physically. I am not used to the cold which creeps into my joints and makes everything an effort and saps my motivation. I find myself wanting to whine and complain.
But then I remember a sermon our youngest son Micah gave at Thanksgiving this year. The point was that we are so blessed (and Eddie and I are SO VERY blessed) and yet we complain when things are not perfect and in so doing we ignore what God HAS done for us and in so doing display our ingratitude for His goodness.
I have been so guilty of this.
Little neighbor Nathan with Sarah, Grace and Josh at the Christmas parade in Mount Vernon, we watched from outside of Riverclay Studio, our downtown studio location!
So, may Eddie and I express our gratitude to God, and to you dear friends for your love this year. Look at what we have to be grateful for!
Eddie hold Damien, our newest grandbaby. How happy we are to be able to be close to them. We rarely say "no" when our kids ask us to babysit.
We celebrated Christmas early with Micah's kids as this year they are going to spend Christmas with Amanda's mom in Montana.
Joyous Christmas to you
So as our Christmas greeting to you, may you rejoice and be comforted by a grateful heart this year. As you look into the new year may you be held by the knowledge that God's faithfulness never fails. And may you care for those you love and hold them close.
Thank you for your prayers in 2009, for your love and kindnesses towards us and our children.
Love Eddie and Leeann
P.S. I would like to share a song that has ministered to me this Christmas
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