We are safely back in Alaska!  We returned home on November 8th after a very long day of flying with stops in Chicago and Seattle.  We were greeted with temperatures above zero, which was a nice transition since we left temperatures in the 40's and 50's on the east coast.  Shortly after that, temperatures in the Copper River Valley plummeted to the 30's below zero....then we knew we were home :)  We have since settled in, resumed ministry, and decorated for Christmas.  Our time back east was wonderful and we loved every minute of it!  It was so nice to spend time with our family, friends, and supporting churches.  We did have some interesting weather, though!  The week after we arrived in NY they had a hurricane of epic proportions that did major damage in Ann's home area.  Then, at the end of October they had an unseasonably early blizzard!  Our Alaska friends were telling us to get back home because it's safer here.  God protected us and the place we were staying through it all and we are so grateful to Him.  Our friends, Rick and Candy, who were house sitting for us did a fantastic job taking care of the house and the cat.  Our cat, Mischief, was stand-offish at first when we got home, but has since warmed up and forgiven us for leaving her.  She is enjoying laying in front of the woodstove during the cold winter days.  Some highlights of our trip back east were...attending a Yankees game in their new stadium, going to the Creation Museum in Kentucky with a bunch of our good friends, eating at the Cheesecake Factory again, and living up the road from some of our dearest friends.  It was a blessed trip!

    December 18th is Jeff's birthday and we are celebrating with a Christmas Open House/birthday party.  We are inviting friends, neighbors and our church family.  Lord willing, many will come and it will be a great time of celebration in our new home.  Last year at this time we were heading to Arizona for some very needed rest and restoration.  This year, we are happily enjoying being in AK for the holidays!  God has truly blessed 2011 for us and we give Him all the praise and glory!