Snow Fun

We understand the cold is gripping our hometown of Hebron, Kentucky. Well, we've had our share of snow and cold here too. We generally stay hunkered down in our living room with the wood stove blaring, however, last weekend we made it out to Orllan for some fun. Here we are (10 of us) sledding down a hill on a 20 foot McDonalds chicken nugget banner (which was sent from the states several years ago in hopes that it could be used as a tarp for the war torn villages). Can you find Mel and Julia?

Receiving End

There were thousands of Samaritan's Purse shoeboxes in our school's basement early last month. Maybe you packed one of them? Several of the local churches delivered the shoeboxes to children all over Kosova (which is the size of Connecticut). We did not get to join in on the final phase of the project as most of the boxes were delivered during school hours, however we can verify that these shoeboxes made many children smile ear to ear.

Gazuar Vitin e Ri

Happy New Year. We must catch up.

Winter has arrived and we are feeding our wood stove all day long. Our main room is cozy and we pass our time playing board games, watching TV, reading and jockeying for a spot in front of the computer.

We've had a wonderful Christmas break. The first half was spent in Egypt. We rode camels at the Pyramids on Christmas day. It was odd and awesome. We had to remind ourselves at times that it was indeed Christmas. A majority of our vacation we were able to enjoy with our dear friends, the Chesnuts.

We're told Egypt is mentioned in the Bible more than 600 times – this was important for us to keep in mind as we were often sitting in the worst traffic we've ever experienced. Cairo has 12 million people and all of them have a car (it seems). Alexandria was a little better and the Mediterranean Sea was refreshing. Part of our time in Egypt was spent with our dear friends, the Chesnuts.


We had a few friends (PHS folks) over to ring in the new year. Just before midnight we went to the top floor of the school and took in a fantastic 180 degree panoramic view of dozens of firework displays (and a spattering of gunfire).

We are revving up for the second semester. Julia has been promoted from aide (co-teacher) to lead teacher now that the seventh grade teacher, who had a serious car accident, will be returning to the states. Julia has a great relationship with the 8 students in her class and is taking the new assignment quite seriously. Pray for her enthusiasm and effectiveness. Mine too!

We pray God will bless your efforts as you make your way through 2009. Take time out for His service…for those close to you…for a nap. Pease pray for our work here.