2008 in Review

For those of you who haven't had time to read all our blog entries, I provide you now with the clif notes of what has happened to our family over the last year. Overall 2008 was a great year for the Tyler and Becca Nicholes family. Despite the fact that we live in war-torn, poverty and disease ridden country, our family has been strengthened and we have grown in many areas.

Spencer is now 4, and is quickly leaving the toddler stage and becoming a little boy. He has exuberants amount of energy. Since there isn't alot to do here in Kinshasa, Spencer has really learned how to use his imagination. He is always finding out new ways to play with his toys. He enjoys being home with his mother and loves her very much. To my great enjoyment, in early 2008 Spencer told Becca, after asking if she wanted to play basketball, that he had to practice everyday if he wanted to be a basketball player when he grows up.

Becca has been on a real reading kick this last year. Read the Twilight series (probably 20 times or so), Pride and Predujice, and has even started writing her own novel. Becca was also able to spend the whole summer back in the states, partly to help her mother who was recovering from foot surgery and partly to stay away from the Congo longer. Becca's decision to stay the summer actually ended up as a blessing, as she was able to attend her Grandpa's funeral in August. Since another english speaking Mormon family moved to Kinshasa, Becca was called to co-teach the english speaking primary class.

I have been busy working. I missed Beca and Spencer while they were gone during the summer, but was happy that they were able to spend more time with the extended family. I was excited that my dad was able to come visit in February. We found out our next destination, Zimbabwe, and are looking forward to the adventures we will have there. I also recieved a calling as the Young Men's consultant. Basically I am there to help and translate when needed. I also gave a talk in Church in French, I was really nervous, but I think it turned out okay.

Some other highlights:

Visited Deric and Stephanie in Germany

Week with the Prices at the Outer Banks

Going to the Reptile Farm

Swimming in the Congo River

Making it a year in the Congo!!!!! (less then 8 months to go)

Courtside seats to the Jazz-76ers game (probably the number one highlight)

Trip to Hawaii

Spending alot of time with extended family during the summer and for Christmas.

2008 was definetly an adventure for us and we look forward to the adventures that 2009 holds.