I still can't believe how fast this year has gone by. I was telling my mom the other day that I remember having Cameron's birthday back in January and the rest is a blur with a few highlights.
Personal thoughts:
We have really had a good year. It hasn't been without it's challenges. I can honestly say that I have been struggling with baby blues big time. I have really been wondering when God will allow us to start our family. It just seems like it will never happen at times. If you think about us - pray for us regarding this area. I go back an forth in wanting a baby - of course I would love to have a miracle baby - but I have to realize that that may not be God's path for us. This year I came to the openness of adopting a child versus an infant. Lately I have been thinking of this again after having a dream about adopting a little girl. Funny I have 2 names which I think Cameron likes as well :o) and they are both girls names.
So please continue to pray for us in this area. I think the financial aspect is the most overwhelming part of the whole thing. We are hoping to dive into more searching and planning after Christmas. I'm also hoping to pick up some books while I'm at home.
Going home:
And speaking of going home. I will be headed home Christmas day at around 3pm Korea time. Cameron is leaving Christmas Eve at 11:55pm Korea time. I'm headed to SC and he is headed to Brazil. We will be traveling in opposite directions over the map. We are both super excited!!!! Please pray for safe and smooth travels as we make this nice vacation but still relatively short trip home.
Christmas:
I'm really trying to get into the Christmas spirit - it still is weird celebrating here. I've been listening to the radio on the internet and that is helping. I've decided to start listening to Family Life Network with the mix of awesome Christmas music and awesome Christian music. I'm loving Toby Mac's City on Our Knees which I must download.
School News:
We are in preparation to move to our new building. The building is up and it is just a few weeks away that we should be moving. We are now transitioning into our new franchise curriculum. The curriculum seems good and I'm excited to get it going. I know it's going to take a little time to adjust, but hopefully it will go quickly. Right now we are most concerned about losing students. We just made the official announcement about moving and about the new books. We have seen a huge drop this week. It might be a rough couple of months, but I'm trusting that God has a plan for this school. Our boss and headteacher have a great vision for the kids and I'm proud to be part of it. I hope that we can bounce back quickly once we move and gain many students from the community around the new building - which has HUGE potential!
Our new apartment:
We really like our apartment! We have been adjusting to less laundry drying space and have yet to be completely caught up, but it's coming slowly. Not having a dishwasher is also taking some getting used to. I was of course quick to get us as settled as possible. I have to make a place "home" and that I have been able to do that. I need to post some pictures of the before and after.
Callie and Orion:
The cats seem to like it a lot, too. They have their own room which thankfully they have adjusted to being in at night without too much complaint on Orion's part. They have both come out of their shells a little more especially Callie with play time. I will have to try and get some video of her - as sweet as she is she is wild when she plays.
Also I will put in a big plug for Soft Paws cat claw caps. If you are iffy about getting your cats declawed and want something else - get these! They are the best thing! We put them on the cats the night before we moved. We were really concerned since we were moving into a brand new apartment with brand new wallpaper! They work amazingly! Cameron holds the cats while I put them on. Our cats don't like to be held, but they seems to relax once they know we aren't out to hurt them. Giving medicine is whole other story, but I won't go there.
This has been a mishmash of thoughts. I can say that we both are truly loving Korea! Never in either of our lives did we think we would be in Asia. It is great!
In everything - do not forget -
Jesus IS the reason! for the season and for EVERYTHING!
