Christmas-time Is Coming 🎄

Greetings family and friends!

One December many years ago (seems not long ago, but it probably was) at school we presented a musical called “Getting Ready for the Miracle”. I still often hum the title song. “Getting ready for the miracle of Christmas Day?”  Are you? Are you getting ready for the miracle?

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

Because we've heard the Christmas story so many times, we forget the amazing miracle it is. God came to earth as a human baby! We need to take time to get lost in the wonder of this miracle. I want to take time this month to celebrate these words “unto you (me) is born a Saviour.” Maybe you too want to get ready to receive a deeper appreciation for how this miracle makes everything in your life more - miraculous.

We want to share a few things that have been happening in Roatan. We aren’t there but we are connected and are celebrating from a distance.

When we left in August, we had known that there would be some big changes at the Sandy Bay Adventist School. We had shared in the planning and over the next few months it all came together. The school recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open their computer lab. The intent is that all students will have access to the computers. The room is completely remodelled with new wiring, furniture, and glass in the windows. At this time, the school has 5 desktop computers with the goal of doubling that number over the next few months. 

Our pictures are clips from a video.  In the video, the ribbon cutter saws away at the ribbon with a pair of very dull safety scissors.  Larry wants to bring this little girl a new pair of scissors. 

We are also celebrating a few graduations. Jacee is the last of our first little group who studied English in our classroom. Jacee graduated from high school last week earning a 97% average.  We couldn’t be prouder!

Jacee with family at graduation. 

Keliani was so pleased as she graduated from grade 9. Her mom and dad were very excited to witness their daughter achieve this milestone – an opportunity they didn’t have. The school taught the grads to dance so that each grad could dance with his/her parent. Isn’t that sweet?

Greicy and Nahun’s son, Dilan, had his special moment too as he graduated from kindergarten. This little guy is a sharpy and is beginning to read and work with numbers. Time flies.

The island is recovering from the year-plus of no tourists with work for many people who had been looking. Larry receives frequent messages from Chris from his new job as a security guard. He also sends pictures. He looks intimidating to me! Elias, our tour guide friend is booked every day. We see many Help Wanted messages from restaurants and resorts on Facebook. There is work. But we are concerned with how quickly money is spent as soon as it is earned. There seems to be more self reliance, and less praying. Does this sound familiar?

Chris has work!

We plan to return to Roatan this winter. At this time, we haven’t booked our flight or accommodations. It appears that travelling is the thing to do this winter, so it is a bit trickier finding flights in our price range. And, since our house is no longer our house, we also need to co ordinate finding a place to lay our heads as well as finding a flight - something we never had to do when we had our house. It will all come together. We just have trouble with waiting.

We are beginning to organize how we will support students and other needs for 2023. We have included our 2023 plans on the following page.

As the year wraps up, we want to thank everyone who has supported us with funds, prayers, and conversations of encouragement. We so appreciate each person! We wish you the merriest Christmas this year and want to encourage you, too,  – get ready – celebrate the miracle of Christmas Day.

    For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

           
                                                   Many blessings!  Larry and Susan