December 2010 - New York Winter

Up-state New York is frigid and snowy in December. It is the end of fall semester at Elim Bible Institute. We have spent hours inside our little apartment and the library working on papers, research projects and studying for finals.

Paul and Bridget on a snowy day in New York.

There was a break in the weather Saturday and Bridget went for a walk. She stopped at Ben (US Helimission Director) and Sarah Dodzweit's to visit. Their grandchildren were over for some holiday activities. The children finished projects, their parents bundled them up and they headed out the door. Paul came and watched football with Ben. Bridget and Sarah picked up where the grandchildren left off. They used glitter, markers and stamps and made Christmas cards of their own. Then they moved to the kitchen and added frosting and sprinkles to sugar cookies. The two of them talked, laughed and munched on cookies as they decorated. It was a delightful way to spend an afternoon. Ben mentioned a few days later Sarah liked having people stop by unannounced, rather than planning to have guests over. It is the "African way" to just join the family in whatever they are doing.

Our friends Ben and Sarah Dodzweit.

Back in October the bank took possession of our house. We are not sure how the ramifications of this will work out for the coming year. We are certain the Lord is in control and He will continue to guide us. Paul feels he needs to keep this in perspective as he really desires to be out on the mission field. Come January, we hope to know where we stand with our loan holder. If we need to work to pay off some residual debt, we will do that. Before we go overseas, we believe we should wrap up our affairs completely. That will allow us to focus on the task at hand when we arrive in Indonesia. Lord willing, we will send another update in 2011 and anticipate some blanks being filled in. Apart from the planning and considerations, the highlight and focus for us is Jesus Christ. The Lord has met all our needs at school. Thank you for praying for us. We are grateful for Helimission paying our tuition and for the financial help of our supporters.

Snow removal.

The big items on our list after Elim: 1) Time with family in Oregon. 2) Paul's biannual flight review, transition in a Bell 206 Long Ranger and some flight time. 3) Pay off debt. 4) Raise funds for Indonesia.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Paul & Bridget