_{Dear family and friends,}

_{We chose to leave you all for a season because we have felt the love of our Savior in our own lives and wanted to share it with those who don’t know or who have never felt His love before.  When we reflect on the feelings of serving others all day every day we feel JOY. Yet  we have longed for each of you and home many times.} 

 _{We have learned to live together in a new way.  It has been a wonderful way of experiencing everything together and then communicating our individual perspectives with gained respect, understanding and a deepened love for each other.  We have been awed at one another’s strengths which were not as keenly recognized as we were raising our children and grandparenting.  We see each other in a brighter light.}

_{It is truly a rewarding experience to be a missionary in this hastening of His work.  Your prayers have been felt, particularly when we find ourselves being better than we really are or when words have been given to us at “turning points” in other’s lives. We cherish the warm German Christmas traditions, particularly the church bells  ringing glad tidings, as we wish with all our hearts for others to accept His wondrous message of hope, peace and love. He lives and loves us all.    We pray we will  better internalize His love and try to have His image in our countenances at this time and always.}