What's been happening? Some of the fun things we've had is having friends and family from Australia come to visit! We've had a ball showing people our life here in Redding. Back in early September, Colleen & Mason Thomson came to visit. We enjoyed the end of summer with them hiking, swimming and eating lots of food! Colleen came with a group of ladies to do the Trees Of Life conference. Mason came along for the journey and he's been convinced that this would be a great place to come to very soon.
For the month of November we had some of our closest friends staying with us. Jase, Rach, Judah, and Kahlan spent 5 weeks in the US, most of it spent with us. The house was definitely full but we really valued this time with them. There is something special about being able to share your 'new life' with 'old friends'. During their time here, we spend 4 nights in Yosemite National Park. It was the most beautiful winter wonderland I've ever seen. Absolutely spectacular! We also had a special Thanksgiving dinner (one of three that were hosted at our house :) ). A good friend of ours loves to cook...and I love to have people in the house. So we made a deal - I'll open the house and she could cook the food! Far deal to me :).
During December, I (Taff) was asked to play for the Choir for their Christmas events. I also had the opportunity to sing a couple of songs, including one of my own Christmas songs. I had so much fun playing piano for them! Also during this time, I was asked to play & sing at a community outreach event. While I was playing, I watch a man get healed as people were praying for him right in front of me. His leg grew out, his back and knee were healed, then later than night he went to the house church in the neighbourhood and was filled with the Holy Spirit! Wow! Come on Jesus! His life has been radically changed. What a privilege to be a part of what God was doing.
I've been surprised at how much I play and sing these days! I have hardly done it in the past, but felt that I had to practice....and now everywhere I sing, I play also. I'm really enjoying. I'm still leading worship for the parenting group I'm involved in, home group at our house every wednesday, and I co-lead once a month at Healing Rooms. I'm continually being stretched, and I'm excited about what I'm going to learn this year.
Just before Christmas, my sister was on a business trip to the US but I wasn't going to be able to catch up with her. While she was here, she ended up having to change her flight home. In order to get the cheaper flight, it meant that she had to stay a week longer in the US - so guess where she spent the week! With me! I was so excited to have her here, especially around Christmas time.
Our house was full of people again on Christmas day. It was a really nice relaxed, 'family' day. There were 8 kids that were beautifully behaved, and about 16 adults. So nice to be able to celebrate with friends that have become our family here.
We had a very relaxed New Years Eve - for once we didn't host anything which was really nice! We spent the night with a few friends...and were totally excited when it began snowing at 11pm! It was amazing! We stood outside watching the snow and the fireworks...counting down about 10 times...weren't sure of the actual time :). I was most excited when our yard was still covered in snow in the morning! It was such a beautiful experience (when you haven't had many snow adventures). The memories (with the help of photos) will stay in my mind forever!
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