Home for the Holidays!

Matthew 1:22-23(NIV) All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). God has been so faithful...ALWAYS with us! We have been home for over a week. So grateful for God's grace and provision the past two weeks. I have been suffering from shingles, probably from the stress of finishing the adoption and transitioning back to the United States. The children have started school; Jennifer is in 5th grade, Jefferson in 4th grade and Cristofer in 3rd grade. I love all of their teachers. We have a lot of work to do, but the kids seem to be adjusting well. We bought the children bicycles and the boys only used their training wheels for 3 days. They are all doing great with their bikes, with no serious falls. Their helmets are SO cute and we try to ride bikes every day. Our first day at church was wonderful, though our church has been mourning the death of a dear brother in Christ, Mando Moreno. Hermano, I thank you for your prayers! You will be so missed! I want to live like you did...loving and living a Christ-like life! Well done, Brother Mando!!! Brother Rene, Chef and owner of Azuca, prepared a wonderful meal after church of Paella and salad, for our Angel tree ministry. The kids LOVE salad!!! And Rene's salad was spring mix, but the kids ate every bite. I am looking forward to Christmas vacation...Aunt Kristy and Cousins Daniel and Brandon will be spending time with us; making cookies, going to the San Antonio riverwalk, miniature golf, bowling, etc. We will also be seeing Mariana and meeting Karla's new baby in Galveston over New Year's. Please continue to pray for us...each day has new challenges, but I am trying to focus on the many blessings that come from each adversity! Feliz Navidad...Dios les bendiga en 2013!