Christmas Letter 2009

Since I didn't get all of our stuff in time to send out real Christmas cards, I thought I would do one on here. The majority of the people we send Christmas cards to read this so here you go!

The slide show is of the fun things we've done throughout the year. Sorry for bad quality, the internet isn't the best here, and this is what you get after me trying to get it on here for days. :) 

This year has been crazy! We've lived in 3 countries just this year! We started off the year in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo and finished up our two years of living there. We liked Congo, it was hard, but we came to enjoy it by the end. Then we went back to the States to rest up for our next big adventure. It was great seeing family and friends, and doing everything that we wanted to do, or most of them. Time flies while in the States so we never get to see everyone or do everything that we wanted. Highlights from the summer would be going to Disneyland with the Nicholes, having my every other year Girlie Weekend (which was AWESOME!), going to Wyatt's baseball games (I love watching him play), and then just having fun in the summer sun. (and also eating GREAT food)

Sadly at the end of September we needed to leave the States and, excitedly, go to our next posting which is Harare, Zimbabwe. We have grown to love it here in the first couple of months! We've done a lot already, making friends, going to Imiri Animal Park and going to Lake Kariba over Thanksgiving weekend. 

Spencer has started school here, and he LOVES it! The teacher wrote in his little book he brings home everyday that she "loves how enthusiastic Spencer is about everything!" Now is that good or bad? We take it good, I mean we have a kid who doesn't argue about going to school. He is learning a lot though and growing up so quickly! 

In church both Tyler and I work with the young men/young women, and we are loving it. Since we both need to go the activities here Spencer has become an honoree young man. Our ward is wonderful and has opened their arms to us. There is still quite a bit difference in living here than in the States. The language is English but more British so Spencer doesn't call candy and cookies treats anymore, they are 'sweets'. Tyler and I have picked up our favorite words here we like to say, 'brilliant', 'rubbish', and 'mushy'. 

Other than that, Tyler is doing wonderfully at work. He is really working hard and doing well. One thing I have been able to see in the past few years is his work with the young men. He loves them and pushes and challenges them to do good. Even though it's in competition form, they love him and heed his council.

I stay at home still, even though I'm home alone. I look over what our maid and gardener do, help with our small vegetable garden and have started going back to college. I would love to finish my bachelors degree before leaving Zimbabwe, and what better time than when Spencer goes to school that I can too. And of course, I do have at least one day where I can watch my movies, remember rainy days = movies days, and it is the rainy season. But mostly I do work on school work, getting the house organized, and work to organize the young women. 

We hope the holiday season is wonderful for everyone!! And that you remember why we have this beautiful time of year to GIVE to others. We miss you, but know we think of you all often. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

and A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Love, 

Tyler, Becca and Spencer. :) 

p.s.- had to put one picture up here from where Spencer put his ornaments on the tree...notice all of his are the ones facing backwards. :) We are so lucky to have this kid! We love him so much! :)