Merry Christmas! I finally feel like I can say this and mean it.
Life has been particularly difficult lately. I am thankful for Jesus every day, but the day we get to celebrate His birth is even more special!
I miss my family! I miss the hustle and bustle of Christmas in America. I miss making cookies, I miss wrapping my family’s Christmas presents, and I miss all of the beautiful lights in neighborhoods, and on trees and in stores… Everything is festive in America around Christmas time, and I love that! I miss my family!!! I miss driving around with them finding all of the beautiful lights in neighborhoods we don’t usually travel through. I miss “wanting to” drink hot cocoa (it is way too hot here for me to “want” that very badly, ha-ha!). I miss pajama night on Christmas Eve with Jennie, Robert, Robbie, Mason and Eddie Jake!! I have seen other missionaries writing their happy-go-lucky Christmas updates… I wanted to send you one too. I just couldn’t until right now… the 23rd of December.
I went to Carols by Candlelight at the Catholic Church around the corner from my house. It awakened whatever was asleep in me. Depression is mean. It can’t stay long! Above is a photo of my sweet friends as they sing and I take a photo through my tears.
I hope that “something” is awakened in you this Christmas… let Jesus in. You will never be sorry that you did! He is SOO worth it!
And … If you are wondering what to do with your end of year bonus, and need some direction, I can help you with that.
Since taking on “extra “responsibilities – that I love dearly, I have spent enough over my budget for 2019 to have to send in a revision. My money coming in is lower than my money going out. That can only happen for so long.
Would you please consider giving a one-time, or monthly gift, or increasing the donation you’re already giving? I would sure appreciate it! If I could “work overtime” I would, but missionaries don’t really have that option. I’m sure that in the paperwork for my work permit, it must say something about not gaining financially from Papua New Guinea. I know that my heart says that I give to the people and the communities, I don’t take away from it. I rely on God’s provision through you. I’m so grateful to you for the help that you’ve already given. I just need some more help, please.
I am grateful for your prayers and consideration!
More info about online giving here.
Prayer Requests
Please pray that:
- My entire family (near and far) comes to know God deeply and intimately, especially during Christmas
- We remain safe in Madang during this holiday season.
- I remain healthy with no hand or foot pain or any other illness
- PBTPNG will flourish in what the Lord has for us now through 2020
- My duties, whatever they may change to when my supervisor returns, will be a blessing to me and everyone near and far
- I will work as though working for the Lord… coz I AM! Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
