A Better Christmas

It's that time of the year again! Less than a week until Christmas day! In just a few days children will be waking up before the sun to see what presents await them under the tree. A quick glance at the crumbs on the cookie plate and empty milk glass will be reassurance to the little ones that Santa was really there. Children all across the world will be reminded that parents don't wake easily at 4:00 in the morning, and that a couple more hours can seem like days. As has been tradition, this is likely to be exactly how Christmas morning will start at the Land house, and though I'm as excited as ever, this Christmas just feels a little different to me... in a good way, of course.

This could partially be due to the fact that we will likely be spending Christmas in Rwanda next year. It could also be that, if, God willing, we sell our house, this will be the last time we will celebrate Christmas in the home we celebrated it in for the last 9 years. These are definitely not bad things... I'm very excited to see what God has in store for us as he leads us into the next chapter of our lives. It's just... different, but I don't think these are the REAL reasons why.

I think the real reason why this Christmas seems so much more exciting to me is because I am closer to Jesus Christ than I have ever been before. I feel like I am celebrating my best friends birthday with Him, and not just showing up to a party I was invited to to celebrate a persons birthday that I didn't really know too well. Does that make sense?

Many of you already know, but this last year has been huge in my spiritual growth. I can attribute this to many people and things, but it was all kick-started (using jet fuel) by the trip to Costa Rica and the people I was surrounded by (including my family). I have learned that, up until this year, I had been hearing and seeing, but now I am listening and believing. I believe that this isn't by coincidence, but that God has a plan for us all that was set in place a long time ago. I also learned that God is persistent... even if you don't listen right away, He will find a way to get through to you. For me it was Costa Rica... I thank God for that, and I thank all off you for your support.

So this Christmas, I urge all of you to invite Jesus in your home and celebrate with Him. After all, what's a birthday party without the birthday boy?

And please don't forget to keep those less fortunate in your prayers this Christmas as well.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Regan

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  - Romans 12:2

Counting down!!

Hi! Macy here. First off I just wanted to thank all of y'all SO very much for the support y'all have shown us. People we haven't talked to in years are suddenly sending us bible verses and letting us know they're praying - such a wonderful feeling. I love seeing my parents faces light up when someone mentions they are happy we're answering Gods call and that they'll be sure to keep our family in their conversations with Him. 

So...just a few little updates on what's been going on lately. 

1) Zach, my oldest-younger brother, and I are switching from public school to the homeschool program we'll be using once we get to Africa (Northstar). We're both super excited for this for a few reasons. One, just the thought of staying home for school is very appealing to us. Who doesn't want to go to school in their pajamas?! Next, both of us have a feeling that we'll develop a much closer relationship. I mean...we will be together for the whole entire day, after all. Third, neither of us are exactly in love with our current schools. Maybe it's just the whole it's school and every kid dislikes it factor, but I think we're a little bit different and leaving sounds absolutely great. 

2) Our set date to leave for africa is around April 14th, and last time I checked that was about 120 something days away. We cannot wait!

3) for our whole family to go for a year is around 80,000 dollars. Since we are really really wanting to leave by April, we're hoping our house (which has been on the market for a few years) will sell soon! It would be a huge help. If you know anybody looking for a new house, send them our way! Haha :)

4) this goes for everybody - but Christmas is coming up! Merry early Christmas to you guys, incase we don't post until after. :) since this will be our last one in the states for a while, we're being extra sure to cherish the memories. 

Thank you guys so much for praying for us! He is already making steps on our path to Rwanda, which is so awesome! See you later, and happy holidays again!!:)