Waiting in God's Grace

This was our Christmas letter from 2009 -

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

We pray that you are resting this Christmas season in God’s grace, finding comfort in his promises, and have the hope that only he can give.
As we sit down to write this letter and look back over the year, we are once again comforted that God has been with us and has held us in the palm of his hand. This year has been a year of waiting and trusting.
This school year Tiffany returned to teaching. She is teaching Kindergarten at Holy Cross Lutheran School. Her class is very “active.” Out of 18 children, 12 of them are boys. She comes home with many stories. She loves her students very much and is excited to see how much they have learned already. Tiffany once again taught choreography at Concordia High School’s drama camp this summer. She spent the fall directing Cinderella at the high school as well. The production went very well and was well attended. She continues to sell Mary Kay in her spare time.
Dave continues to work for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. He cares deeply for his clients and strives to help them the best way he can. He is also busy volunteering at church as an usher, communion assistant, and on the Stewardship committee. He is also treasurer for the neighborhood association.
In January we flew out to New York for a surprise wedding shower for Rick (Tiffany’s brother) and AnnaMaria. Dave had never been to the city before, so he enjoyed sight seeing. We also went to see The Lion King on Broadway.
In April we decided to apply for adoption. After months of trying to get pregnant again and being unable to do so, we felt God leading us to enlarge our family through adoption. We have so much love in our hearts – just waiting for our child. We know that God has a child in mind for us and he will give us that child when the time is right. At the moment we are on a domestic list. However, we have already started talking about an international adoption. It has been a challenge to raise the funds needed. However, we know that if this is God’s will, he will provide the funds necessary to bring our baby home. We feel privileged that God has chosen us to be adoptive parents. Although we are very excited, it is hard to be patient and trust God’s timing and plan. We thought we were going to get a baby in November. That was not to be, since the birth-mother changed her mind after the baby was born. Please pray for us as we wait, and for our baby - that it will arrive safely to us soon.
In May we went to New Jersey for Rick and AnnaMaria’s wedding. It was a lovely wedding and we had a great time. It was nice to be in the wedding party together.
In May we also celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. God has truly blessed us with each other and we are so happy to be spending our lives together.
In July we traveled to Saint Augustine, Florida with Tiffany’s parents. Some of the highlights included going to the Kennedy Space Center, Sea World, spending a day at the spa, laying on the beach, and collecting shells.
In September we went down to West Lafayette to watch the Boilermakers play. It was good for Dave to be back on campus.
We think of Christopher and Connor often, especially this time of year. Our little lambs are celebrating this Christmas with the Lamb of God. We can only imagine the celebration they are having with the angels in God’s presence.
You will continue to be in our prayers. Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!