Christmas

 Our Christmas play went very well, and my neighbor came to see it. I have been trying for a year to get her to come to church. Please pray that God will continue to soften her heart. We had many visitors including families of some of our kids. Please pray these parents will understand their need for a Saviour and church.

We had a good crowd on Christmas day with over 50 in attendance. After church, my parents and I headed to Corning, NY to visit with dad's family. We were able to see many of his siblings and some other relatives. We spent the day playing games, eating, and catching up with everyone.

On the 26th, we headed to Seneca Falls. On the way we stopped by our old neighbors, the Nolts. They were Mennonite farmers who had a little store. We kids would walk over and pick up necessities and candy bars. It was a sweet few moments of reminiscing with them.

Seneca Falls is the town which Frank Capra replicated Bedford Falls after in It's a Wonderful Life. The town has a museum with many letters, pictures, and memorabilia pieces from the movie. We missed seeing the actors, and reenactments that they have the second weekend of December, but we hope to go another year for that. They are working on a museum with scene replications from the movie.

From Seneca Falls, we headed to Fort Drum to see my cousin. Her husband is in the military. We had fun playing games, and she stayed at the hotel with us, so we were able to chat a bit. Please pray for her family as they had a death of a close friend and relative. Pray that God will use this time to see people trust Him as Saviour.

On the 27th, we headed to Johnstown, NY. On the way we visited the Oriskany Battlefield, the Herkimer House, and Johnson Hall. The battles in the Mohawk Valley were turning points in the War for Independence. It was interesting to learn some things you don't find in history books.

We are back home, and we are preparing for a New Year's party on Sunday with our church family. Please pray that our church will get a vision for reaching the lost, building our kids program, and reaching the parents of these kids.

Please continue to pray for my mom's health. Please continue to pray for the unspoken situation I hve asked pray for many times. Please pray for the upcoming missions trip. Pray that the girls who are supposed to go will have the faith to believe God will provide.

Another Late Update

 Somehow, an update didn't get posted here. November was a busy month with continuing to care for mom. Her cancer surgery went well, and all the biopsies came back negative for cancer. She will have a checkup in 6 months. We are so relieved to know that now her body can heal her torn hips without having to fight cancer too. Please pray as she has been having issues with her insurance being changed. She is trying to go see doctors in Boston but keeps getting a runaround.

Thanksgiving was a nice day. We invited a neighbor whose husband passed away last year and two of our older ladies from church. We enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner. I don't remember why, but I was in and out a lot the day before, and mom ended up doing a lot of the prepping. She was definitely tired when it was all over. It was a nice day all around.

I can't believe we are already into December. Time rushed by this year even with all the ups and downs. Tomorrow is our last Christmas play practice, followed by caroling and passing out gingerbreads with tracts. Please pray that people will be saved because of this endeavor. After caroling, we will have a Christmas party. Please pray that all our kids show up, and pray especially for one family who is really struggling. Pray also that we will have visitors on Sunday and see people saved.

I am continuing to work on the missions trip with the young ladies. I sold about $100 in shell crafts at a preacher's meeting last week. I met another young lady who is interested in the trip. Please pray that she will contact me soon. Please pray that God will help the girls to have faith that He will provide for the trip and their school bills. Some are struggling with this. The trip cost is $2000-$2500 depending on ticket costs. The girls school bills are about $1000/month. If you would like to give towards this trip, please contact me and I will tell you how to send the money. I have set up a bank account specifically for the trip.