Christmastime is Here

Hey friends! I apologize for the big delay on writing a blog entry during the Christmas season. We are in the middle of a three-week joy ride in the United States and are currently in Louisville. After visiting the Haugens for a whole week (which was awesome because we were not only able to visit Mark's immediate family but also with his aunt/uncle/cousins/grandpa) we hopped on a Southwest plane to the bluegrass state.

Our time in Wheaton was action-packed as we crammed in as much time with family as possible and I was also able to visit my friend Stephanie Kowall's new two-month son. Lots of amazing food (thank you Judi) and chill time on Blanchard Street.

We'll be in KY until January 2 ... then we head back to Wheaton for a Global Connections team retreat ... then we split up and my mom and I head to Baltimore to visit my sister for a few days while Mark stays in Wheaton. This is way more information than you need or want, but as a whole we'll be in the US for three weeks. HOORAY! :)

Please keep us in your prayers as we are trying so hard to rest and relax and refill ... while simultaneously visiting with family and friends whom we haven't seen in a long time. Many time we arrive back in the DR just exhausted because we do too much ... and this time we're trying to really be wise with our time.

I hope you were able to truly celebrate Christ's birth this Christmas. We went to an amazing (and highly produced!)Christmas service at Willow Creek and later to a calm and refreshing service at Mark's parents' church, Faith Covenant. Good stuff.