If you’re like us, you can hardly believe that Christmas is upon us, and that it is almost 2007!
Changes
This last year has brought a lot of changes for us, starting with the passing of Jolanda’s mother. That was quickly followed by the bittersweet discovery that Jolanda was pregnant. As happy as we were to be pregnant, it was also a reminder of yet another thing that Ma Karelse wouldn’t be around to see.
When we counted it up, and discovered that the due date would be in the same week that Jolanda’s mother died, that took some getting used to. Jolanda wasn’t sure whether or not she liked the idea, but slowly she came to realize that in the midst of death, God was once again giving us the promise of new life.
These next few weeks will bring probably one of the biggest changes yet, as we anticipate the birth of our second baby. We have been discussing possible names, and wondering whether or not we liked the idea of a “Christmas or New Years Baby”. It’s not that we mind it so much, but you just have to wonder how it will be for the little one later in life. There’s no point in worrying about it, though, because the baby will come when it’s good and ready.
We’re all very much looking forward to meeting the wee one, and also very curious how Lisa will react. There have been times, when she was so ready for it to come, that she even asked Jolanda one day: “Can the baby please come now?” We think that she will make a very good, conscientious big sister.
Sickness
At least one of us has been sick at some time or another in the last couple of weeks (I, Rodney, have not been feeling good for most of the time). Please pray that this will mean that we’ve gotten the winter flues and blues out of the way before the new one arrives.
Thank you all for your continued interest in us and our work, and your prayer and financial support of us throughout the years. We look forward to many more years of partnership with you all.
We recognize that with the arrival of the baby, that we will be needing a larger income. With the gifts lagging here in Holland, we have been busy raising ore support here. The euro has also been giving us fits lately, as it has risen to $1.33 / euro again. If you haven’t yet considered it, we would like to ask you to consider committing to supporting us monthly with a financial gift. Bi-monthly, quarterly, yearly and one-time gifts are of course also very welcome.
We wish you and your family a very blessed Christmas season and a Happy New Year