Christmas letter...

I thought I would try and post our 2008 Christmas letter since we don't have addresses for many of you...

Never a new year's promise is as clear as the one we are undertaking in 2009. Our lives have radically changed in the last couple of months; we do not live in the same house or country. We have switched jobs, our car, and our clothes from the tropical warmth of Costa Rica to the "traditional Pacific Northwest." Who in the world would be crazy enough to do that? Yes, us!

As many of you know, in September 2007 we began an odyssey of uncertainty and continuous doctor's appointments. In June 2008, we finally arrived at a diagnosis (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) and in two weeks we sold all that could be sold, gave away the rest and packed all that the airlines would allow us to carry and here we are! We count ourselves blessed though. We are among the few able to make this move so quickly and be in one of the prime sites for speech and occupational therapy services for kids with Sammy's diagnosis.

Sammy is still the sweet boy you all know that enjoys everything he gets his mind set on. He started preschool in November and loves his teacher and riding the bus to school. We also spent the fall in swimming lessons, soccer, speech, and occupational therapy. His swimming has improved and helps with his much needed upper body strength. Soccer was exciting for him as well. Although the concept of a team sport is still forming, he got to score a goal in the "Big Game." Finally, we rejoice every week to see the quality of the services and the way he is progressing.

Ben has taken the move rather well and used the much needed experience to grow from a baby into a little boy. Along with his best pal (every morning he asks for Sammy), he is discovering the beautiful Northwest. He has learned about snow, ice, and of course, rain. Most importantly, he also is now pretending to drink coffee every morning! He has become a chatter box and surprises us with "adult" language like "Mom, how's it going?" Or, "What's the matter?" In the few months we have been here, we have acquired quite a collection of red fire engines and yellow construction trucks.

Juan has transitioned fully into this new experience. Leaving his family and work was not an easy task. Going from 12 hour days, finishing his masters and doing consulting work to a temporary slowdown has been quite an adjustment. Thankfully in December 2007 he began doing consulting work with a company that surveys hospitals around the world. So for now he travels about 50% of the time, and recovers from jet lag the other 50%! He is hoping to secure a hospital management job this coming year, but is enjoying the blessing of being able to spend precious time with his boys.

Hilary has traded her teaching abilities (for now) and has become a SAHM (stay at home mom). Managing the transition and the kids is not something easy and continues to prove a challenge every day. As many moms know, two boys require full attention as long as they are awake and even when you are sleeping the call comes.... "I want Mommy to sleep with me." Add running back and forth between therapies and swimming lessons and Juan being gone - it is a job "never done." Fortunately, the family support both in Washington and Cost Rica has been outstanding and an enormous help.

In short, a very busy year, but one that has many blessing. Day to day we are reminded by scripture of the Lord's company and guide. Every moment we learn to love Him more and see His perfect will in all things. As we approach the holidays and celebrate his birthday, we will also bow our heads in adoration. Just like the three kings and the shepherds, we come to him with our treasures and lay them at His feet.

We love you and hope that you have a wonderful holiday season and a new year full of blessings.

Juan, Hilary, Sammy, and Ben