It's 70 out...

       and its hard to believe that December is already almost over! Last weekend we traveled down to Irbil and Dohuk for a few days, to attend an ordination. It was a great opportunity to make some new friends and listening to songs that I know sung in Arabic was beautiful. As we were on our way there, we came across two puppies who were running down the middle of the road. Although you normally cannot pick up random puppies, in America or Iraq, we decided it was in our best interest to swerve off to the side of the road, jump out, and chase them down. A few days later, plus some food and a bath, we deposited them at their new home in Chum Chummal, where they have charmed the rest of the residents. Bruce and the crew are in a process of building a small home and holding area for them, and we get to see them on weekends when we visit to work. SO cute!!! 

       Earlier this past week we held a Ladies' Christmas Party at the Carter's. It was a time full of snacking, dancing, crafts and a movie. It is a real treat for women to be able to gather together and hang out, community is such a huge part of life here, and spending time with them has been so rewarding in a multitude of ways. I was also able to have tea with two of the ladies from my morning class earlier last week. Elise and I will be meeting with them again tomorrow, and are looking forward to having some good conversations. 
        Along with the other preparations for Christmas and New Years, we had our 1^st Christmas Play this past Saturday. Elise did a wonderful job writing the script, and we all enjoyed contributing in a variety of ways. Over 115 people came, a number beyond what we could have hoped for. So thankful that we made extra snacks!

      Christmas Party number two was held at the Phenicies. Lots of good food, games and...yoga. Well, not conventional yoga, but more a time to see what pretzels we could mold our bodies into. Then came the human pyramids and flipping each other over. Good thing they have a large living room in the Phenpen.

      The 3rd and final Christmas party will occur on the 24th, when half of the Phenicie's children are in town, plus some friends from Baghdad and Chum Chummal.  We will also be having a New Year's party, hosted by some of our Suli friends, and an open house that will let our friends and students meet Darrell and Cheryl's children.

      Wow, at the moment, it looks as though all we do is party, haha.  New Years is swifty approaching, with class registration following soon behind on the 3^rd and 4^th. We will continue to have our morning class for women, a night class, and tutoring for a few of our student's children. We think that we will have about three new additions to the women's class, and are looking forward to getting to know them better. Plans are already in motion for a variety of outings, including bowling, cooking, and shopping.  Elise and I continue to work on our Kurdish, having picked up a couple more study tools.  I have a good amount of the alphabet down, and can read, at the pace of a two year old.  Not that I know what I am saying, but sounds come out :)

        It looks as though I will not be spending a full year out here, as most of the couples are heading for a retreat and vacation at the beginning of August.  So I will be heading out at the same time, about two months earlier than expected.  What happens after that?  Only God knows :) With that said, I only have about $850 more to raise!  Thank you again for all of your support, with all my heart.  I ask for your continued prayer for deeper relationships with those around me, and the ability to take each day one at a time. As Darrell says as we head out the door, Walk with the King, and Be a blessing.