Christmas 2024

We didn't get around to doing our usual 100+ Christmas cards and letters this year either, and as a semi retired person in this economy, buying 100+ stamps didnt seem wise, either. So if you care, here is our annual Christmas letter December 10, 2024 Dear friends and family, Merry Christmas! As the 2024 holiday season rapidly approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on all the blessings of the past year, and you and your friendship are at the top of that list. Though miles may separate us, the bond we share in Christ keeps us close in heart and spirit, and for that, we are so thankful. This past year we enjoyed a lot of visitors to our home, and some travel for us. This included visits from Tami, Jonathan, and Andrew, as well as the Morgans, Wedaas and the Jones. All these visitors allowed us to be tourists along with them, going up Pikes Peak and to the Air Force Academy for the first time in years. In the spring, we traveled to Orange County to visit with dear friends and mentors Linda and Don, and uncle Fred and aunt Martha, Becky, and had a lunch with Lori Valandingham, Anna Shores, and her family, followed by dinner with Eric and Robin, and other friends. During our visit we also enjoyed many walks through David’s beloved Old Towne Orange, with wild parrots squawking overhead in the nearly tropical canopy of the old town. Summer saw us travel to Chico during a heat wave, for a short visit with Michael, Kathryn, and Jenna. From there we pulled our camper north to Oregon to visit Anna, where we took in a day on jet boats on the Rogue River, went to Crater Lake and visited Coos Bay and a lighthouse out on coast to escape the heat wave. Then we traveled back through Idaho, visiting with the Baileys, and camping at Bannack Ghost Town in Montana. This fall, David returned to his “retirement gigs”, subbing one or two days a week, and working part time as Transplantation Science Educator for Donor Alliance. He also continues to serve as a volunteer with our student ministries at church, and on the Trustee Team. Lori continued her 30 years in public education, and her 13th year as an ELD teacher for CMSD. She continues to serve as a Deacon and teach Sunday school, too. Anna continues to work for Adventures Without Limits, a nonprofit in Forest Grove, OR. One bonus of her job recently was travel to Malibu, CA to attend the awards in a social media contest for outdoor nonprofits. She took home the second prize for her company. We miss her being so far away, though it gives us a great excuse to travel to the Pacific Northwest. Wes continues to work as maintenance manager for his apartment complex here in Colorado Springs. He continues to date Eryn and grows closer with her and her daughter, Devynn. We get to see them almost weekly. Most recently, we took an early Thanksgiving road trip to Mustang, OK, where we got to spend time with Uncle Lee, went to see the Yukon Christmas Lights, visited Patrick and Mary, and squeezed in a short visit with David’s cousin, Larry. We then returned home in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with Lori’s cousins and Wes, Eryn and Devynn. This time of year, and trips like that, always reminds us of how blessed we are, and the incredible gift of God’s love through the birth of His Son, Jesus. What a beautiful reminder that, no matter the distance between us, we are united in the hope, peace, and joy that Christ brings. Even though we can't be together in person to celebrate this season, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for the memories we’ve shared over the years and look forward to the day we can gather again. Until then, may God continue to bless you richly and keep you in His care. Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Christmas, filled with the love and presence of Jesus, and a New Year that brings you closer to His perfect plans for your life. With all our love and prayers, David & Lori Eick