Happy New Years

2013--wow--doesn't that date sound weird?

for all our advances since 1985--we're not gonna get here
in before 2015!

We're living in a time that not only the Mayans couldn't predict, even "Back to the Future" missed the mark in 1985 when they anticipated a 2015 that would have highways in the skies, awful fashion trends, and a host of other misses that we're not likely to see develop in the next 2 years.

As we prepare to turn the calendar from 2012 to 2013, we are preparing to celebrate two special anniversaries...

1st - on the 1st, Keli and I celebrate our 19th Wedding Anniversary.  Nineteen years ago, some of you may remember, I was one sick kid--high fever and sweats produced the groom that only the "Walking Dead" could be proud of--pale skin, oily hair, fever blister, swollen eyes that led to me pulling out an old prescription pair of eyeglasses from high school days.  Keli, looking as radiant as imaginable, still came down the aisle.  Our wedding album is viewed only for laughs, and not for the faint of heart!

On January 7, Orthodox or Coptic Christmas, our family celebrates 1 year of arriving to live in Egypt and serve the Europe/Middle East Region.  We're so thankful for all who have had a part in not only helping us make that transition, but who also continue to encourage and support us in prayers, emails, and finances.  We are blessed by such a large network of caring support.

As we look forward to 2013, here are a couple of things that we're expecting...

we're looking forward to
seeing more of the above

• Travel: right away, Keli will travel to Beirut in January to have her first encounter of meeting and experiencing various ministries in Lebanon.  Ken will fly back to the US at the end of February/beginning of March for the annual Heart for Lebanon Board of Directors meeting, and to do some church visits--and to drop in on family, too.  Grace will have a "Week Without Walls" in Tanzania in March as a part of her school's requirements.  There's also the possibility of some service in Europe by summer, and we hope to have a vacation this summer outside of Egypt--we don't know where yet, but it will be on this side of the Atlantic.

Manning's "2012 roller-coaster" will
become a "reunion tour" in 2013 with
trips to see his brother, his nemesis, &
his old home.

• Sports: The boys are watching football as often as they can right now, biding their time until the BCS National Championship game between Alabama and Notre Dame--each are their two favorite teams, so they have a vested interest in the outcome.  Titus is also excited about the NFL playoffs--Colts and Peyton Manning return to the postseason, and could be on a collision course to play each other.  (If you're not a Peyton Manning fan, don't watch any primetime NFL next year--Broncos will visit New England, the New York Giants, and Indianapolis in 2013!)  Grace has made the Junior Varsity basketball team, and she will have a few games in the next few months.  She is also be encouraged to pick between either softball or the Junior Varsity soccer team.  Titus will return to Rugby for the rest of the school year.  And, I may attempt to swing a golf club again--it's been nearly 2 years!!!

CCF's Christmas Cantata on 12-30 

• Ministry: We are hopeful for creating some new ministries for children and young adults here in Cairo.  We hope to get more involved with the national Egyptian congregations, and we are excited for the Lebanese and Europe opportunities.  As the family becomes more stable in their new home, and if Egypt can become increasingly stable, then we can expect to do more and more.  Perhaps we can even schedule a work group to come in the summer of 2013...

Of course, all of the above and our unspoken hopes are all "Inshallah" -- that is, "if the Lord wills".  This often, perhaps too often, used phrase here in the Middle East is appropriate as we look forward to the next year.  We have no certainties in this life a part from the Grace of God.  Live within each moment knowing it may be the last before being ushered into eternity--live with grace, mercy, and peace within all your decisions and relationships--and may His peace rule your heart and mind in the process from one day to the next.