Ricardo & Citlatli Hernandez visited last week from Mexico. Several of us who lived

and worked together onboard the Caribbean Mercy enjoyed having lunch together.

Citlali and Katharina don't have to worry about getting their daughters mixed up!

Mercy Ships Responding to Haiti

Focus on the Family named Mercy Ships as a charity they trust to make a difference in Haiti. Please pray that God will direct with wisdom all the efforts by many organizations trying to meet such a great need.

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/helpforhaiti.aspx

Also, our friend Terry Snow is in the thick of it as he directs a YWAM base in St. Marcos close to Port-a-Prince. The following site gives current information about what they are currently seeing and dealing with and how you can help.

http://www.ywamhaiti.org/NewsCenter/2010EarthquakeUpdates/tabid/2326/Default.aspx

January Gateway off to a good start!

 Our January Gateway course started Saturday, Jan 9. 

Here is our staff (except I'm taking the photo) ready to greet and registrar the new participants.

It's great being an aunt

A Christmas day hike in Kona with my nieces and nephew.

I made monkey bread as a treat one morning. It was supposed to be for Christmas morning, but since I had forgotten to buy ingredients ahead of time and the grocery store was closed Christmas day, it was Monday instead. Still tasted good!

 

The heavens declare the glory of God

Last night, I drove to a prayer service at church, glad to begin this new year in God's presence. It was a beautiful clear night and the moon was bright and huge. I had to stop and snap a picture of it. God shows himself all around me, and his glory makes me feel awed and small and secure in his power and protection.

Isaiah says it best. "Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out one after another, calling each by its name. And he counts them to see that none are lost or have strayed away. 

Oh [America], how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? 

He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

 I'm so glad God understands my life and doesn't grow weary. I'm so glad he gives power and strength. The moon was bright tonight, almost blinding. I couldn't miss it. I don't want to miss God this year. I don't want to miss his beauty, his goodness, his glory. I want new strength in this new year.