Merry Christmas! Here are a few of our family highlights from 2015 ...

Merry Christmas! Here are a few of our family highlights from 2015… Our “Number One” favorite family time this year was our 2 week road trip up the East Coast in our old RV. We were blessed to have Mathew’s mom join us again, and also to have Miriam’s parents meet us at the historic triangle of Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown. We spent three days there and then traveled across the Chesapeake Bay, through Delaware, and on to Philadelphia to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. From there, we trekked through New Jersey to New York City. (Driving on the outskirts of NYC is not a good idea in an RV!) Matthew preached at a church in Yonkers, where they allowed us to park for 3 days and take the Metro into the Big Apple. After that, we continued north to Plymouth Rock and then on to Boston and the Freedom Trail. Then we traveled through New Hampshire to Portland, Maine where we enjoyed visiting several lighthouses. Later we went through the White Mountains and New York to Niagara Falls, staying on the Canadian side. After seeing the beauty of the Falls, we headed home. It was a whirlwind trip full of history and beauty. We only had a couple vehicle break downs.  Matthew - God is certainly expanding His ministry. After an intense legislative session, we took some much needed time to regroup as a family on our trip east. In August, I traveled to speak in Arkansas. We hosted chaplains from all over the U.S. capitols in September. We had our Annual Harvest Party in October. In November, Lucas Holt (my new executive assistant) and I had the opportunity to fly to Washington DC for an incredible time with many meetings and Divine appointments. Earlier this month, I was honored to be asked to speak in Tennessee for a missions conference. In between all the travel and speaking, the ministry continues with weekly Bible studies, chapel services, and one-on-one discipleship. My greatest joy is still seeing my children walking in Truth. Miriam - This year has truly been a blessing in many ways. Sometimes I feel like I live in our van. However, I don’t take for granted having the health and resources to be able to take our children to all their activities. This year we joined a homeschool co-op where I help teach. I’m also keeping active assisting in coaching the girls’ basketball teams. The kids did well in all their 4-H projects this year as well. Our Harvest Party was exciting with our largest crowd ever of more than 250 people at our home. We are grateful to God for friends like you who encourage and enrich our lives. Sarah (16) - My favorite parts of our family trip this year were historic Williamsburg and the powerful ocean at the campground in New Hampshire. I loved taking pictures during our whole trip. I also had a ton of fun with my soccer team this year. Toward the end of the season, I severely sprained my ankle. Several other girls had various injuries as well. We battled through it and still won 2nd place at the national championship! I am a sophomore this year and my favorite class is photography. I'm currently enjoying the basketball season and am hoping to get a job and my driver's license in the next 6 months or so. Micah (14) - My favorite highlight of our family trip this year was going to the top of the Empire State building in NYC. We switched soccer clubs this year and that was a difficult decision, but I enjoyed making new friends and playing my favorite sport. This year, as a freshman, I'm learning a lot in an advanced chemistry course. I'm also taking a great American history class. It's really cool that we were able to visit so many historical sites on our family trip. It really helps the American history books come alive. I am planning on getting my temporary driver's license on my birthday in June. I am also hoping to get a job over the summer. I was so happy to get my braces off this year! Emma (11) – I especially loved taking the sightseeing bus and boat tour throughout New York City and window shopping there. I also thought the lighthouses in Maine were beautiful. I like my enrichment classes in co-op, particularly Biztown economics and home-ec. I have also enjoyed making new friends on our soccer and basketball teams. I love to play soccer and basketball with my brother and sister. My junior high team is currently 8-0. We are learning to play well together as a team and it is a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to visiting my grandparents for Christmas. Hope you’ve enjoyed this little snapshot of our lives! May the Lord bless you in the coming New Year!

Williamsburg, VA

Matthew, Miriam and Sarah at Independence Hall

Matthew and Emma at the Portland Maine Lighthouse

Historic “Hoosiers” Hinkle Fieldhouse

Niagara Falls at night

Micah, Matthew, Emma, and Sarah at Empire State Bldg.

Micah with the grandmas at the Disney Store in Times Square

Matthew and Miriam at the Falls

Sarah and Emma in Times Square, NYC