We are so blessed. This has been our phrase since moving to Mexico. First we are blessed because of the calling this is our joy or the starting point. The grace poured out that blankets us in His peace. It is from pondering here that we move, the resting at his feet first through time in the word that compels us to respond.

So many answered prayers are a testimony of his living spirit at work. It fascinating how intimately involved He is with many lives simultaneously. A living tapestry.

Christmas for our family was a delight. We were invited to a timeshare in Palm springs with friends from Canada the Kamps and the Gubiottis. We were all coming down with sicknesses that we often get while visiting the orphanages. We were so excited to have relief from the constant chill of our home affectionately called "the meat locker". A joke in terms that houses our family and our fleshy nature. Here is where we eat, entertain, learn, create as well as fight the cold damp drafts so prevalent in Rosarito.

After visiting an orphanage in Tecate that had no roof windows or doors we felt the conviction of the blessing that our home is and were humbled by the opportunity to recover in such a lavish place surrounded by loving friends.

Our time there we were able to rest and discover some of his handi work while visiting the Painted Canyons and Joshua Tree national Park. Both of these places speak of His glory. Truly works of art, not accidental or by spontanious combustion , but thoughtful design and intimate knowledge outside our comprehension.

I always get a sense of this while walking through nature. He is everywhere. Yet I do not worship the creation only what He has done and I am in awe.

For me this has always been my place to reflect and pray whether it be in the garden or walking through the forests of BC. Again such a gift of time healing and reflection and fellowship.

Immediately after returning to Mexico we hosted CC Cornerstones in Napa Valley. We co-ordinated a roof project on an orphanage in Tecate with funds provided by Riverside Calvary Chapel and Langley Meadows Community School. There were many prayers being said as the crew crawled across rotten beams to begin. Three days later the Lord kept everyone safe and provided for these people to have dry living conditions, all the materials and a gospel out reach where 5 people gave their lives to the Lord. I was personally touched by many of the youth that came as they shared their hearts with me.

The blessings continue as we were sponsored to go to the CC Missions Conference this year in Murrietta. The whole family was able to attend ( - Jack). Such encouragement to hear from families serving in the Ukraine and the unique circumstances we face as missionaries.

Loved the jokes.

you know your a missionary when:

-you watch National Geographic specials and recognize people.

- you dont know how to answer the question where are you from?

- you go home for vacation.

-you've spoken a a dozen of churches but are not a Pastor.

-carry Bibles in 2 different languages to church

- skype is your reality tv show

- you dream of owning a land rover rather than a mini van or Lexus

-penut butter and Tim Hortons are wonderful Xmas gifts.

-you feel most comfortable when you cant speak the language and the most uncomfortable

when you are asked to share in your own language your ministry.

- you can say hello good by and the basic gospel in at least 3 different languages

- discussions of parasites, amoebas, are dinner conversation.

- emails are exciting.

Aside from the humour there was excellent teaching. One Pastor serving in Haiti reminded us all that church looks different in different places that it is not about being perfect but having our trajectory pointed at Jesus. He has had many death threats, as well his church bus shot at killing one of the members of his church. So one ministering here would be less concerned about programs and more about safety. There was also the reminder that we may feel that we are doing nothing wondering why were are even there. Micah 6:8 "the Lord has told you what is good, and what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." 1 Thessalonians 4:11 "to study to be quiet, and to do your own business and work with your hands as we instructed you."

I love that is speaks of His peace living in us as a sufficient testimony when we feel that we are not really accomplishing much.

Then there was the illustration of the trinity within the cultures represented us the Canadians with the Mexicans with God at the centre there there is a perfect work to be accomplished using all three. Often Missionaries abandon their culture or impose their culture and neither work. But again it is a marriage of them both working together.

Then there is the encouragement on suffering. Sounds like an oxymoron but it is a fact that we will have trials and they are part of our sanctification. James 1:2 Count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Wow to think that trials will bring you to a place where you lack nothing if you allow the trial to complete the work of patience. I read it like this. The trial is no longer desired to be removed because you are kept in perfect peace through trusting God in the midst of it that you even see it as sweet blessed fellowship with God knowing that He is with you in it.

It was such a rich conference.

Even little Hudson was touched. For the past few months he had been tearfully confessing lies he had told in the past. I guess our regular studies have penetrated his heart. His prayers have been so sweet to want to know God more. At the conference he decided to live his life for the Lord to follow after him. I think he has and idea of this through the example of our lives and through teaching at sunday school but this was a turning point for him to have made a clear decision on his own.

So sweet to see how excited he was.

Blessing upon blessings continue with so much being poured into our family with the gifts of Tim Hortons, gifts for the children, phone calls, skypes and special visits from dear friends.