New Things

We're going to Germany for Christmas ... the Nixon family, that is. Our new German family wants us to visit them so badly that they've bought us plane tickets. We are amazed, deeply touched, and so excited! We'll spend time with Kim and Matthias in their new home in Berlin, then travel to Wittgensdorf for the actual Christmas weekend to be with Matthias' family, and we'll get to see the friends of Matthias who came to our house for the wedding who live in Wittgensdorf. And we'll get to meet Kim and Matthias' house church family in Berlin who have welcomed our daughter so warmly. It will be new and very different to go away for Christmas. For the last 10 years or so we've had friends and family over on Christmas morning for breakfast and candles and stockings and liturgy. This seems to be our year for trying new things and be hosted rather than host.

Today Dave and I spent time with Kevin and Tracy talking about the future. There are some new ideas on the horizon for us to try out together in 2006. We're excited about that, too. And especially excited about continuing to work and share life with Kevin and Tracy who we started this whole community life thing with years ago.

Tomorrow begins advent, and with it comes the re-opening of our beloved St. Elizabeth building. I had the opportunity to share with Desiree the history of Vineyard Central this week, and after listening she said "Oh, now I understand why there's such a heart connection for you all with the St. Elizabeth building." I think some haven't heard the story of how God gave us this beautiful place ... all the prayers and sacrifice and love and prayers and candlelight vigils and sacrifice and prayers. It's sweet to re-enter this place tomorrow and expect Jesus together.

Come Lord Jesus.