Making All Things New

 

My favorite photo from summer in Oregon

Thank you to everyone who prayed over those requests (and in general) that I posted a few weeks ago! The Lord has graciously answered each one in personal, tender and powerful ways. 

1) Will is much less agitated. We found the right medication formulation, it seems, and he's just so much happier and able to be who he really is! We're still in queue for his therapies but happy to wait until the new year. 

2) David is much less homesick due to great friends in our neighborhood and lots of forts in the nearby woods. (Their fort Christmas party is today. I baked cookies for it last night, at David's request. 😊) He also decided he wants to take one of his teachers back to Papua New Guinea with us because she's just so great! He and Seth have both said they really enjoy school now.

3) Seth's teacher woes have worked out beautifully. The teacher he was struggling to understand and please is now his favorite. He's figured out that she really does mean so well and cares about him. He got a great report card!

4) Marcie is doing MUCH better, although we know there are highs and lows. She has a precious relationship with her dad, and that really seems to help her weather the storms of life and emotions. Reminds me of the need we have for our Father through all the ups and downs on this journey to Heaven!

5) Gracie continues to be the most homesick (and sick, with colds - her tiny little ear, nose, and throat passages just keep getting infections!). But she's VERY happy to have her biggest brother at home goofing around with her and her other big brother David always looking out for her and making her laugh.

6) Isaac is doing fabulous! It's such a blessing to have him here! "Out of 10, you would be 80 billion!" Seth just said. The Lord has just been so good to Isaac (and us!), providing for him for college in amazing ways. 

7) Gavin is beautifully devoted to this family. I'm unendingly grateful for who he is.

I, too, am doing much better than I was earlier this summer and fall. My body and brain is calming down, praise God. It seems I was in high alert all the time, and that was exhausting! Until very recently, it felt that something was just wrong. 

I realize that Christmas will never be like it was when I was a little girl (My family had great Christmases in Colombia!). When we're children, it's, "Everything is magical, and 'Santa' is coming!" 

Now that we're adults, seeing the world around us - in PNG or America - it's, "Everything is broken, and Jesus is coming!" 

The latter hope is TRUE, and more beautiful by far. 

Waiting in hope, 

Carrie

You can't see it really well, but the manger with star above is cut into the throne. 
One of Gavin's ornaments, per my request. 

A wish come true! Going to Bolder - a climbing park - thanks to a generous Christmas gift!

Getting their tutorial in the ropes course climbing.

Hugs for Grandma (from Will and his cousin) at the Arboretum! 

Zoo Lights with Aunt Naomi! 💗 Will is not a fan of cold and stayed home.

The Christmas music and art night for the kids' school. Good thing Isaac is strong and Gracie is small!