Christmas with my Kids and Winter in Minnesota!

I just had a wonderful Christmas celebration with 4 of my 5 children (Isaac, #5, is in Xi'an with Kelley right now)!

Renee, Liza, Carly, and Nate
December 2012

Nate

Carly, Liza, Nate, Renee, and Colin (Carly's boyfriend) all met up in a beautiful setting in Wisconsin. Our friends, the Carlson's, let us take over their cabin for 2 days. We had a blast watching videos of Christmas' past and eating way too much of our favorite foods. We made the most of the time. I'm so proud of my children and blessed that we all have a great relationship. It was hard to say goodbye for another 5 or 6 months, but we are looking forward to spending more time together this coming summer.



I thought I might be able to sneak in and out of Minnesota without any of the "winter-y" stuff.

When I arrived it was in the 50's and even 60's. I thought to myself, "wow, maybe Minnesota weather isn't as bad as I have made it out to be"....... But, Minnesota had the last laugh!

A foot of snow later....
I was scraping windows and shoveling snow. It sure is beautiful though.

I head back to China today. It's always great to return to the States, we have such an amazing country. China is not an easy place to live, but Kelley, Isaac, and I have a "grace" to be there. We love our time in China and know that is right where we should be.

Exciting things are taking shape in China, so I'm anxious to get back....I'm also really missing my wife!

Lots of Progress

The Historic Bell tower in Xi'an

It has been an incredible few months in Xi'an.

Kelley has been leading women's groups and recently meet with a group of 20 young girls about important decisions they will face in life.

Kelley with young women, sharing
advice on good decision making

We have also been able to meet folks who are connected to the local business community and are excited about future possibilities.

Kelley's blonde hair tends to
draw a crowd!

We recently visited an english
teaching center for children. Parents
are also taught in another area of the facility.

Life in Xi'an is definitely not easy, but we are blessed and love our lives in China.

Preparing a salad, wash every leaf!!
--- Just another day in our life of Xi'an.

More to come!!!