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December 2004
Dear Friends,
Christmas Greetings from Moscow, Russia. It is hard to believe we are in our 13th year here in Russia. We have been reminiscing about our very first Christmas, before it was even a legal holiday. There were no ornaments, no decorations, no Christmas cards and not much for sale in the stores. The city looked much like a black and white movie set. We took our two little girls and headed downtown to see the Nativity, which had been set up on Red Square. We were disappointed when we arrived and discovered it was an iconostasis, and not a nativity. It was a large flat wall of Orthodox icons. While today we can appreciate those icons, that first Christmas it seemed pretty bleak.
Well, things have changed dramatically. The little girls are no longer little and Moscow has a Mayor that has ordered the city to decorate for Christmas. Christy is a senior in High School this year. She will graduate in May and plans to attend Olivet. She is active playing soccer, basketball, singing in the choir, playing piano for chapel services and teaching piano lessons. She rarely has any free time. Cara is a sophomore this year and is not looking forward to her sister leaving home for College. They have been great buddies through the years. Cara also plays soccer and basketball. She plays the guitar, sings in a ladies’ ensemble and is a part of the school drama team. Both of the girls worked hard in the ministry this last summer. They helped with Vacation Bible School in Viazma, Russia. They mixed concrete for the new septic system out at the Youth Center. They also went to Armenia and helped with a medical team and Vacation Bible School.
This was a big year in the life of our whole family. Carla was ordained in March at the Russia North District Assembly. This was an exciting day as Davide and Tanya Cantarella were ordained at the same time. Then, in May Carla graduated from NTS.
Chuck has kept very busy being a great dad, husband and Field Director. He has become famous at the girls’ school for his chocolate chip cookies. He is also their basketball coach this winter. He is a great supporter of his wife, and spends much time traveling the Field, encouraging our leaders and teaching classes. We had a wonderful opportunity to visit Israel this past fall, so the photo is not from Russia or the CIS, but rather, in front of the wailing wall in Jerusalem.
We will be celebrating Christmas in Boise, Idaho this year. This will be our second time to spend Christmas in the US since we came to Russia, and the last time we went, Cara was only eight. We will be with Carla’s parents and oldest brother, Jerry. Jerry’s wife, Michele went to be with the Lord last month. One of the facts of missionary life is not always getting to be with family in their time of need. So, while we were unable to be home for the funeral, we will get to be together now.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. We are very grateful.
May God bless you this holiday season!
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