this is the Christ, our God and Lord
who in all need shall aid afford
he will himself our savior be
and from our sins will set us free - "This is the Christ"
As I prepared our Christmas newsletter this year I realized that putting it online was going to give us more flexibility. I hope you enjoy this format! The quotes are from Sandra McCracken’s album In Feast or Fallow, and they provide a soundtrack, if you will, for the year. First, here is the latest on each of us.
Scott - took a new position with the Department of Corrections in March. He has the same title, but different responsibilities at a different facility. His position is part of a grant-funded program, a program which he has worked diligently to implement. He continues to work one weekend a month as a therapist for a children's crisis center. At church he plays bass in the praise team and also helps out in an intellectually challenging discipleship program.
Kim - I stay at home with Kyrstin and Stefan. I am officially in the dissertation stage of my Ph.D. in English, and have a part-time job as an editor which I complete from home. A highlight of my year this year was getting a smartphone. It kind of changes everything!
Kyrstin - She continues to be our sunshine. She began taking only one nap in February, and shortly thereafter contracted RSV which led to pneumonia, but made a full recovery. Our little trooper! In March she started walking, and then adjusted easily to having a brother in April. Kyrstin’s favorite activities include playing in the back yard, reading books, cuddling and wrestling with her parents, dancing, and watching Blue’s Clues. Her favorite things seem to be dogs, cars, and balls. She also likes talking on the phone – and just about anything can be a phone. Whether she is being naughty or nice, she is almost always smiling and irresistibly cute. When we named her Kyrstin Melody we hoped that she would become a singer or musician of some kind. Starting this summer, we began to hear her sing in her high chair, at the piano, and while walking around. Also, we have enjoyed her language development this year. She “talks” all the time and can communicate many things to us. Next stop, potty training!
Most of the rest of this update is about Stefan.
I was made in a hidden place;
There from your love I could not escape if I tried.
In wonder and in a trembling state we wait to meet this child.
I cannot see with human eyes the secret plans you have devised
My heart is full as I contemplate the frailty and the fullness
Oh, I marvel at your goodness to me. - "Hidden Place"
The early part of this year was an in-between season for us. We'd come from a season that was academically busy for me, which meant we all were working hard to raise Kyrstin and keep the house in order, and Scott was getting for a job transition. During this time of waiting, God used scripture to assure us that he saw Stefan and had already planned all of his days (Psalm 139:13-16). We settled on his middle name - Matthew - moments after his birth on April 14. It is Scott's middle name, and means "gift from God." We enjoyed visits from family after the birth.
In the harvest feast or the fallow ground,
My certain hope is in Jesus found.
My lot, my cup, my portion sure
Whatever comes, we shall endure. - "In Feast or Fallow"
On August 18th, over an elegant meal, we celebrated ten years of marriage by discussing highs and lows. God had definitely been with us in the land of our sojourning.
Then, on September 5th, Stefan was hospitalized for three days after having a series of seizures. The weeks and months after that were the hardest of our lives, individually and as a family. For three weeks we were in and out of medical offices, watching Stefan suffer multiple seizures per day, until the proper medication took effect and the seizures stopped. Stefan's neurologist believes that there is a minor dysplasia in the right hemisphere of Stefan's brain which was bound to lead to seizures at some point. The words of Psalm 139 came back to us, and we knew God was with us and for Stefan.
God touched us with human hands during that time, as well. Friends and family volunteered to watch and play with Kyrstin, do housework, and make meals. This was vital when Stefan needed our focused attention. We will never forget that kindness or underestimate what a benefit it provides others. In late September, a friend told us about this album. We listened to this track as a family, and then Scott, Kyrstin and I danced to it, and we endured.
Father for Thy promised blessing still we plead before Thy throne
For the times of sweet refreshing, which can come from Thee alone.
Blessed earnests Thou hast given, but in these we would not rest
Blessings still with Thee are hidden; pour them forth, and make us blessed. - "Give Reviving"
Stefan's personality came back to him, bit by bit. He once again became a smiley boy who likes to "talk." The seizures have stayed away, and our visits to the neurologist have become less frequent because less necessary. Mid-November was a turning poin, and we were ready to have fun again. We hit the road to enjoy a mini-vacation and kick off the holiday season. We have had all kinds of holiday fun, and celebrated Kyrstin's second birthday. It has been a season of refreshing, for sure. Stefan has established a daytime eat/wake/nap routine. It's as though he had to learn to nap again, which gives us hope that he'll learn to sleep through the night again, and we'll be completely refreshed.
Fill your cup at the mouth of the spring,
New wonders we will sing,
As the Spirit blows the embers of our hearts. - "New Wonders"
We don’t know what will be next for us or for you, but we pray that the New Year finds us experiencing God’s mercies anew, singing a new song.
With love,
Scott, Kim, Kyrstin and Stefan
