A CHRISTmas message :)

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we thank the LORD for all the people who have come into our lives and become a source of blessing, hope, inspiration and learning for us as individuals and as a family. This year is very significant in our life as a missionary family, as after five wonderful and challenging years of mission in Timor Leste, we have finally come home to the Philippines. We continue to surrender to the Lord's plans for us and our children, and know that He has a bright and beautiful future in store for us.

It is the first year that all four of us were able to celebrate our birthdays with those closest to us. Alyssa Therese "Rysse" turned 1 year old in July, and is now a walking, signing, semi-speaking, precociously pretty toddler. Timothy Alan "Tim" turned 4 years old in October, and is fast growing up into a God-loving, temperamental but totally lovable, intelligent preschooler. We are enjoying our time with both, and plan to formally homeschool Tim next year. 

As for ourselves, Anthony and Tina, we have been serving fulltime under the CFC International Missions Office since we arrived, but will be moving on to new exciting assignments come January. 

 In the 6 months that we have been home, we have learned a lot, have been blessed to attend and serve in so many inspiring and empowering activities in and outside of Couples for Christ (CFC); some of which include the CFC 29th Anniversary Celebrations, the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Mission Fun Run and Missionaries Ball, the enlightening financial education lectures by the IMG-Wealth Academy, the hard-hitting 3rd Philippine Homeschool Conference and the refreshing Kerygma Restoration Conference; plus mommy-related activities organized by L.A.T.C.H. Philippines and Mommy Mundo. 

Through all of these, and our encounters with family members, co-missionaries, and friends, old and new, and our beloved CFC community, we have learned more and more about how the Lord calls us to LOVE LIFE and LIVE PASSIONATELY; i.e. He wants us to be holy, happy, healthy AND wealthy. In connection with this, we have been blessed to be able to start a small business on the side (Pure Passionistas), which we hope will help advocate our passion for Pro-Life. Tina has also been able to fulfill her passion for writing by becoming a contributor for Smart Parenting.

 
 

IN ALL OF THESE, WE ARE GRATEFUL TO GOD, AND TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, FOR MAKING 2010 AND THIS CHRISTMAS ONE OF THE MOST MEANINGFUL TIMES IN OUR LIVES. 

May the LORD continue to bless and guide us all not just this CHRISTmas and New Year, but all throughout our lives!

From our family to yours,  A BLESSED BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL PASSION-FILLED NEW YEAR TO ALL! :)

In Christ,

Anthony and Tina :)

Tim and Rysse :)

Thank YOU for being a part of our journey.