Is it 2012 already?!?!?

Where to begin?  We have had quite the eventful year, and we just wrote a letter to send out via snail mail, which is now posted here on our blog.  We hope you enjoy reading what God has done in our lives, and pray that you'll be encouraged.

We started 2011 with the annual visit from my (Debby's) parents.  It's the fifth year already that they have come down, and we all enjoy their visit.  Mostly because there's at least one steak dinner in it for Bill!

The previous December, we celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary (where did THAT time go?), and Bill surprised me with a Christian marriage cruise, which took place in February.  We cruised to Nassau in the Bahamas, where we went on our honeymoon.  It was a lovely, relaxing time for both of us, as our kids were well taken care of between both sets of grandparents and our friends, the Lowe's.

                                                                                  

As spring came, so did the busyness of getting support raised for Liam, Eli, and Ethan, for their mission trips with Teen Missions International (TMI).  After patiently waiting, it was their turn to go on a trip, with Liam and Eli going to Scotland, and Ethan serving locally in Merritt Island.  They'll have their chance to share about their trip, but we just wanted to share one thing with you.

For whatever reason, Liam & Eli's support didn't come in as quickly as it had the year before, for Bronia and Simon.  We were asked to make a decision at the end of May, as to whether we would in faith continue raising support for them both, or use what had already come in, and send only one boy.  We had a weekend to pray about it.

At the end of the weekend,, Liam came to us, and said that he would give up his spot for Eli could go.  We both were blown away by his selflessness, but told him that as their parents, we still had to make the final decision.  After praying about it, we felt like we should still move forward, as if both were still going.  That decision took a lot of faith, as we still have over $1100 to raise, with less than a month until they left.

Well, exactly a week before we were to drop them off for boot camp, we got a call asking exactly what they owed.  Then, later that day, we received a cheque for the full amount!  It was amazing for our family to see God provide in this most miraculous, and eleventh hour way.  How faithful He is!!

So off they were, serving the Lord for the summer.  In the meantime, BIll and I had decided that we really needed to get our health in order, and start losing some weight.  (I've already blogged a bit about this)  We watched a documentary called "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead", and decided that juicing fruit and vegetables was the way to start that journey.  So we bought a juicer and started.  We have both lost and maintained some weight, and plan to lose more in 2012.

In August, we were thrilled when we found out we were once again expecting a baby.  I felt very good, walking regularly, and striving to maintain a healthier diet, including juicing.  However, in my 12th week, I miscarried, and we once again faced losing a very-much-wanted baby.  Our children were devastated, as were we.  But again, the Lord gave us an opportunity to talk about His sovereignty, and perfect plan for our lives.  Only God knows how He'll use our testimony of losing 3children; for our good and for His glory.

We will write more in the coming days, to share about the boys' trips, and to let you know what is coming up for us in this new year.