Dec. 27, 2006
Holiday Newsletter 2006

Happy Holidays to all of you!  I hope this season finds you happy and well.  God has blessed us this year, and we would like to share the highlights (and lowlights) of this year with you.

Tim completed his Discipleship Training School from January through June.  The last three months we went to Guatemala as a family.  In Guatemala we did medical work, a children’s Bible club, tutoring, visiting orphanages, and a helping with a baby weigh-in program.  Tim also did some carpentry work in Guatemala City and Chimaltenango, which was very challenging cross-culturally.  Since the DTS, Tim has been in charge of the  kitchen here at the YWAM Colorado at Cimarron base.  He enjoys it very much.

Carol has been homeschooling the girls with most of her time, except while in Guatemala.  In Guatemala she enjoyed doing medical work.  It was her first time to get to do a medical outreach-which is the reason she became a physician assistant in the first place 10 years ago!  In November she gave birth to our first son – Josiah Nathaniel at a whopping 10 lbs, 6 oz and 23 in. long.  Homeschooling two girls with a toddler and a newborn alongside has been very challenging, and will take some adjustment.

Ciara turned 9 in October.  This year she has made great advances in her reading, and is reading longer chapter books now.  She learned how to ride a bicycle this past summer – two days after Jaedyn accomplished the same feat!  She has become a real beauty, both outwardly and inwardly, and is becoming a help for her mother too.

Jaedyn turned 7 in May.  She got to celebrate her birthday in Guatemala complete with a piñata almost as big as she is!  She also has taken great strides in her reading, which is a real joy to see.  Learning to ride her bike, was something she mastered on her own.  She told us to take off her training wheels, because her 6 yo friend told her everything she needs to know to ride without them.  Within a day she was riding like a pro!

Eliana turned 2 in July.  This year she has learned to count to 20.  She delights us with songs she makes up, and could talk the ear off of an elephant!  She loved discussing, singing about, praying for and drawing her new baby brother before he was born.  She loves everything Dora.  She is very proud to be a big sister too.  Recently she has decided that she can do most things on her own – “my do it!”  She is almost completely potty-trained for the daytime, and has had several dry nights in the past couple of weeks too.  On Christmas day, she got 10 new pairs of big-girl panties and throughout the day she tried on each one to make sure they all fit!

Josiah is six weeks old now.  He has already outgrown his 3/6 month clothing, and won’t be in 6/9 month clothing for long.  He has brown hair, blue eyes, big hands and feet and is very long!  On a down side, he has already had three xrays and a sonogram, not to mention the blood draws, and lumbar puncture.  When he turned 2 weeks old, he spent 3 days in the hospital with a urinary tract infection.  He is quite healthy now, though, praise the Lord!

At the end of Tim’s DTS, our savings was getting pretty close to the bottom.  We have been amazed to see how God has provided the finances we need to continue to follow His leading to live and work here.  We received several unexpected sums from friends/family, from an inheritance, and even from the IRS!  We prayed for a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and recently were given an older Chevy Suburban.  We feel our faith growing as we learn to hear His voice and follow His leading each day.

In July, we felt clearly that the Lord was telling us to stay and work here, however there wasn’t any adequate housing for our growing family.  We had spent the DTS in a 2 bedroom trailer, and were imagining a new baby that would have to sleep on the couch!  We just gave this to the Lord and trusted His guidance.  Within a couple of months, we were offered a larger trailer (three bedroom) and the base remodeled the porch into a living room for us.  We feel very blessed.

We hope each of you have been encouraged by our letter.  May you find God’s will for your lives, and walk in faith to experience His provision even when there doesn’t seem to be any in sight.  God bless you all through 2007.

Carol, Tim, Ciara, Jaedyn, Eliana and Josiah Gale

Serving God through Youth With a Mission through service positions, medical outreaches, supporting missionary training schools behind the scenes, and raising our children in the light of the Lord.

• Post a Comment

Dec. 27, 2006 - Hello

Posted by jaminacema

I love Christmas letters! What a fun way to meet your family! Sounds like we have a lot in common. We are a frugal family also and desire to live off the grid someday. Try to keep chemicals out of our diet and of course love the Lord and are amazed by His faithfulness! (Oh and my last baby was big too. 11 pounds 8 ounces.)

Blessings!

Jamin

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Dec. 27, 2006 - That was nice!!

Posted by SuperAngel

Thanks for sharing your family news!!

We actually did not get any snow at all!! HOORAY!!

Thanks for coming to The Daily Planet, and leaving me a comment!!
It is always nice to have people come to your blog!! But it is even better when they leave you a comment saying they have been there and telling you their thoughts!!

Hope you had a Family time filled Christmas!!

God Bless and Keep You and Yours!!
Take Care!!
Luv
Amanda ~ Siol Enal ~ SUPERANGEL

Daughter of JacqueDixonSoulRestES
Sister of Jocelyndixon, rjdjohn316 & YoungManInTraining

Read my lastest articles just published today!! Let me know what you think!! Sorry I can't give you link, unless you want me to mess up your blog =0)

Come check out the changes that have happened to your favorite blogpaper!!

Stop by The Daily Planet soon!!

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Dec. 27, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

I so enjoyed reading about your year. You have certainly had a busy one! So much going on, and so many blessings, too. Thank you for sharing.
Letitia

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Dec. 28, 2006 - truly blessed

Posted by javamamma

wonderful letter! what a joy it is to look back over the year and see all that God has done in our lives. He has truly blessed your family and I pray His faithfulness is seen throughout 2007 as well!

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Dec. 28, 2006 - thx for the encouragment!

Posted by luvmy2mks

it's faith-building to read how God is providing for your lovely family as you listen to His voice. may He bless your new year, as well. :- ) mary

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Dec. 28, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Jocelyndixon

I just wanted to stop by and say hello. You and your family are very busy and are growing fast! I'm sure all your children are a delight to you!

God Bless!

Sincerely yours,
Jocelyn

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