And you will call his name Jesus. For he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 

This was one of the last promises made to someone about the coming Messiah. The Jews had been waiting for 1,500 years for their savior to be revealed. And after all that time, Jesus arrives and it’s another 30 years before anyone has any real idea that it’s him! Waiting was eminently characteristic of the Jewish experience. Upon further reflection, waiting is inherent to our humanity. We’re always waiting for something. I think that’s one of the subtle reasons why Christmas is so easy for people to get excited about. Christmas means no more waiting and the fulfillment of promises. The promise of gifts for the kids. The promise of time off work and school. The promise of seeing family from out of state. The promise of snow (or bigger surf). Its that one time a year we get a bunch of fulfillment all wrapped up together in a few days of fun and celebration. 

The rest of life is so much more about waiting. After 2017 brought positive developments to the political landscape and our programs in Ethiopia, a number of unexpected events cast a storm of doubt on a hopeful 2018. When the Prime Minister resigned in February, a calm that had followed several years of turmoil was disrupted. While in May the first Oromo prime minister was elected and many longed-for changes began to unfold, the ongoing uncertainty has held Discovering Light to a slow growth season. Yet, we are still brimming with expectation of light and life dawning on Southeast Ethiopia, releasing families and whole villages from their captivity to harmful beliefs and traditions. As sure as the promise of Jesus’ arrival, we believe the Arsi Oromo are destined to experience their potential as a people made in God’s image.

A new era of working and waiting has begun for our family as Marni entered her junior year and suddenly we’re staring down the prospect of our little girl venturing out on her own. We are so proud of her work ethic and desire to use her gifts and talents to do great things. Abe is our slick 8th grader now but high school is right around the corner. We are just beginning to envision where his knack for facts and love for athletics will take him. Wherever we’re going, Dane will always keep us in the moment. We thank God for his incredibly smooth transition into middle school and a gaggle of new friends. (Gaggle: a disorderly group of people. Doesn’t that describe 6th graders to a T!) Roman’s command of teen slang and style and his athletic feats remind us he isn’t our baby anymore – except when he wants to cuddle or be tucked in at night!

Sara and I continue to pursue God’s design for our family, exploring how to be the best mate we can be for one another, the most loving parents we can be for our kids, and the unique ways we can be a blessing in our community. We are always watching and waiting for opportunities to serve and love. These moments bring us our greatest joy.

May you enjoy a fulfilling holiday season, and a joyous 2019.