A "milestone" has been reached...

   I (Jamie) turned fifty today. We in the west see this as a point in life where we stand at a crossroads. A point in life where we reflect on our lives thus far. For me personally I see this not as a point for reflection but a time to look ahead and wonder what God may have in store for me and my family as we move toward our goal of missions to Naples Italy. There have been crossroads in my life - going off to college, joining the military, getting married etc...but I believe there is one crossroad that is significant and worth reflecting on and that is the day I gave my life to Christ. That day stands out more then any other and that includes today. Because on that day I was given a new life, I went from death to eternal life! So in essence today is not a milestone or a crossroad its really just another point along the way to a greater reward of eternal life with our heavenly father and for me thats worth looking forward to. Blessings.

Buon Nuovo Anno! Happy New Year!

...We are happy to ring in a new year here with our church family but sad that we are still in the states and not in Naples Italy celebrating with our church family there. But we know God is sovereign and we will get there in his timing. Such is the life of missionaries, we want so much to be doing the work we believe God has called us to do, but in order to get there we must wait on the Lord to provide those with the funds to help us get to our perspective fields! We are excited though we are between 70 and 80% of our goal! We are very close and soon begins the journey of the "lasts."The last time my girls will be attending an American school (high school). Our last visits with family and friends. But there will also be a "first"It will be the first time we have to say good-bye to our oldest who will be staying behind and beginning his life journey here in the states. That "first" will be harder then all the "lasts" combine. Happy New Year and may God bless you in the coming year.