Warm Christmas Greetings from the
Smiths!
Thank you
for your outpouring of encouragement, prayers and support to our family over
the last year. We are so thankful for
the many ways you have walked alongside us.
We could not have accomplished the tasks God placed before us without
you! We know that God is calling our
family to grow and expand the Oasis for Orphans programs in Kenya, and we
remain excited about continuing in this work.
2014 Family Updates
Rick – Was grateful to see Oasis officially
grow from one to three sites as legal partnership documents were signed with
The Valley and The Shelter. Enjoyed
teaching at Moffat and seeing the first group of Maasai and Kisii pastors
graduate from their three-year training program through Commission 2:2. Upped his manliness when he killed a snake in
our house. Added a few grey hairs as Rachel is now learning to drive.
Ann – Was overjoyed at seeing the
Oasis sponsorship program grow by 30 children at The Valley! Is excited that four Oasis kids graduated
from High School and are headed to college. Is thankful for the more than 70
visitors who visited this year from the US and Canada. Embraced working with the dental team by pulling
out someone’s tooth! Found out the hard way that she doesn’t like paint balls
in her face or baboon spiders near our house.
Katie – Is teaching the Model United
Nations class at RVA this year. Enjoys leading the Jr. High kids in worship
each week. Traveled to Zanzibar with her class and swam with dolphins and ate
octopus. With typical Katie priorities, took last place in the One World Run to
hang with her little sib because, “Walking is SO FUN Katie!” Looks forward to finding out where she will
be going to college. Is approachable, humble, and embraces joy even when it
means laughing at herself.
Rachel – Had a surprise Sweet 16th
and went paintballing. Nearly tossed Rick and Caleb out of the sunroof of the
car when she rolled over a small cliff in the road while learning to drive. Joined the art class this year and renewed a
passion. Has boldly shared about Jesus
with several people who have chosen to become Christians!
Julia – Became a teenager! Built her
first “snowman” in Africa (in the sand).
Confirmed the loss of the missing Malaysian flight when she pulled some
plastic bottles from the Indian Ocean with “Made in Malaysia” stamped on the
bottom. Fell in love with a janitor-turned-superhero in the school play. Bravely, rock climbed up Hell’s Gate. Has a precious heart of generosity and
compassion for others.
Caleb – Wants to visit the US so we can
put his clothes in that awesome thing that makes them warm. Couldn’t move his
arms for three days after his birthday party because he and his friends did
push-ups through two decks of cards. Scored
with a header and both feet in soccer this year. Is our faithful prayer warrior
– send in your requests.
Enjoy
your families this Christmas as you focus on the birth of our amazing Savior!
All this took place
to fulfill what the
Lord has said through the prophet;
“The virgin will
conceive and give birth to a Son,
and they will call Him
Immanuel,
which means God with
us.”
Much Love – Rick, Ann, Katie, Rachel, Julia and Caleb
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