Stevens Family Christmas Letter: December 2016

2016

Dearest loved ones,

We need to update something from 2015 before moving on. Since 2009, Marti has helped out with child care at a conference in Azerbaijan. In 2015 it was held in the country of Georgia. Bob and Lydia joined in to help the end of March. Marti went on to Azerbaijan for three additional weeks in April. Due to the scheduled arrival of grandchildren she will not be able to go in 2017.

2016 is almost gone. The year has been full of ordinary blessings and some extraordinary surprises. Once a month Hymn Sings followed by a light supper continue to be a source of delight from September through May. Last Resort every Wednesday challenges Marti’s creativity for menus. She brings on consultants to help. J

Our church has luncheons for our missionaries to share what God is doing. Those serving overseas usually come home in the summer, but in February, Marti was asked to host those who are working stateside. So each Sunday morning she was making fresh, hot bread in the kitchen (tantalizing second service with the aroma) to accompany soups and salads.

Watching grand kids, being available for anyone in need, graduations and birthday parties, more missions luncheons, Sandy Cove camping with the family and several extra days with Joel, Holly and family filled in any days not already booked. Lydia came home from 10 months at Capernwray in England before working again at Sandy Cove and then Kohls this fall. Jeremy came home for a short time before going to Iceland for two weeks with his sister, Debbie. After Sandy Cove, he was off to backpack and hang glide the country until after Thanksgiving.

Jeremy encouraged us to travel with him to Utah in 2015 for a backpacking, camping trip of several National Parks. The highlight was hiking down through “Crack in the Wall” into Coyote Gulch and coming out the next day at Jacob Hamblin Arch (Check out U-Tube). He decided it was good to get us adventuring again this year, so in September, Deb, Dave and we joined Jeremy for some camping and hiking in Oregon and Washington. We saw some of the most beautiful mountains (Mt. St. Helens & Rainier), lakes, the blue pool, Columbia River Gorge and the Space Needle. At the top of our list of favorites was spending a few days with Mike and Carol Saia and seeing our flower girl, Heidi Stephens, all grown up and beautiful with her husband Curtis. Flying home on Frontier and arriving 24 hours late gave plenty of opportunity for grace!!!

Local hiking with friends from near and far in October as well as birthdays (time with Sarah & family) filled the month.

October 27, Marti received a call from the leader of the team going to Kenya on a short term missions outreach. He was laid up and couldn’t go – no walking. Not expecting anything, Marti said she’d see if it was a go from the Lord. 3 things needed to happen and fast. Bob gave a “go ahead” right away and a flight had to be arranged. She opened an airline search, and a flight popped up – the exact one the team was taking. She asked the Lord if it was a definite “go” to make it well under $1000. It was less than $800! By the time she called an ecstatic person back 20 minutes later, arrangements had already been made to vote and get everything needed medically. She became the 7^th member of the team. They left 8 days later to go to Nakuru, Kenya. What an experience!! She was back to Africa for the 1^st time in 55 years – very emotional. On the bush trip, she got to go into a mud hut. When she walked into it, her eyes welled up with tears. She was Home! Praying with the 34 children who gave their hearts to Jesus was a real highlight of her time. The dump, schools, crusade and the launching of a new church were amazing. It was nice to see first hand the ministry prayed over for 23 years.

A surprise party for Amanda’s 40^th went off without a hitch and no one spoiled the surprise! That same day a dear friend died so 2 trips to the airport, a memorial service and interment, and watching his two dear Korean grandchildren, while the family met with the chaplain, rounded off this past week.

Life just doesn’t slow down. 2017 will have two additions to our 18 grandchildren! Marti will go to Texas to help Joel & Holly the end of January, and Bob will stay here to help Rachel who is due for #7 in February. He is always available to the kids to help in any way they need him.

God bless you in 2017. Keep serving Him until He calls you home.

Love,

Bob & Marti

email us at:
Bob = imafifer@gmail.com
Marti = AuntMarti7@gmail.com