And Finally The Big News!!!

A little poster Isaac and I made to help our neighbors find out about our good news... We have had so much help in getting to this point. So many prayers, fasting, etc. that we wanted everyone to know:)

It occurred to me that in all of our ecstatic rejoicing, we have failed to mention that Ben was accepted to Dental School!! He was accepted to Arizona on Dec. 1st, first thing in the morning. I think both of us were crying and laughing. It's definitely a funny feeling, I'm sure everyone can relate, but we had been praying and hoping and putting our trust and faith in the Lord for so so long- with this matter in particular- that to finally have that prayer answered and to be supported in our decision to pursue the course was really overwhelming. It's like praying for something for 3 years and wanting it so badly and knowing the whole time that that is absolutely the path for you, but being "shot down" for years in a row, regardless of your hard work, etc. We are so grateful for the opportunity to go now and know that the timing is finally right and the place will be right too. We trust and have felt that the Lord needed us here for the past 3 years. We have seen so much growth in our personal lives, our spiritual experiences, and Ben's professional development that we know we needed Laramie. We also know that we have been able to experience things and experience a trust and faith so strong in the Lord and His plan that we may never have had to do otherwise. So, though it was trying at the time, we know that it turned out exactly the way it needed to and we are, once again, so grateful for the journey and the Lord's plan.

So, from here the plan will be interesting. We are thinking we will be moving somewhere outside of Phoenix (around Glendale, where Ben will be going to school) around July. Should be interesting, as always, but this cold spell has made us love the thought of Phoenix, that's for sure!!

Ben also finished his immunology class last week. To his astonishment, and thanks to lots of hardwork and the help of the Lord, he was able to pull of the highest grade in the class! It was definitely one of the most difficult classes he has had to take and along with another 4 credit course, and 40 hours of work each week, he has definitely felt the load! This spring semester, Ben doesn't have to take any classes, so we are going to really enjoy the calm before the storm!!

As for us, Ikie has been battling little colds and I actually found out that I had strep throat, though I didn't know it and had no symptoms-- lucky me, a day off work! Anyway, it has given us a couple of chances to be home together and relax a little... Something that doesn't happen too often! We are in the midst of a wonderful Christmas season. I love this time of year and the special spirit we can feel when we stop and take a minute. We are also taking great joy in making gifts for lots of friends and family (beware!!) and teaching Ike the same. So, while we make it through this last week of school and work, we will remember these special times and look forward for a great break and an opportunity to catch up with many of you. May this week be blessed for you all!