Remembering Christmas 2009

One fun part of our Christmas in 2009 didn't make it onto the blog, so in the spirit of Auld Lang Syne, here it is. We had a marvelous group of twenty-somethings at our house for an early Christmas dinner/party and gift exchange. The rule was that the gift had to be bought in Kalomo for less than $5.00. We had some great ones--note the lovely neon pink mirror with rhinestone trim that Meagan is holding. That was a hot item, along with Courtney's styling plastic apron and Jana's Winnie the Pooh bag. These young adults were so fun to be around--and fun to cook for!

Their current status: Betsy and Thomas (between David and me) got married in August. Mary (far left) spent last semester in Vienna with Oklahoma Christian University. Jana and Meagan (behind me) are living and working in Oklahoma City. Courtney (far right) married Meagan's brother Ben in June and is now teaching in OKC.

Update on Meagan Hawley: Meagan went back to Namwianga for Christmas this year. I can't wait to hear her stories!

Auld Lang Syne

Ah, New Year's Day is a good time to reflect on times past. I found these photos of Christmas in 2008 that brought back some good memories, so I thought I'd share them with you.
Richard and Sue Krogsgaard are from Canada. They spent several months in Zambia during 2008 and 2009. They have wonderful servant hearts and lots of energy for helping others. We loved working with them and watching them at work.

Dr. Jerry Templer and his wife Claudia are from Columbia, Missouri. Claudia grew up at Namwianga, the daughter of early missionaries J. C. and Joyce Shewmaker. She and Jerry lived in Zambia for several months in 2008 and spent Christmas with us. They were delightful guests and became dear friends. Claudia taught me some great card games. We now live just a few hours away from them and are hoping to renew our friendship on this side of the ocean.

Our Christmas dinner in 2008 was at the home of Rod and Sue Calder on Seven Fountains Farm. There were 50 or so of us--a delightful mix of Zambians, Canadians, Americans, and South Africans.