Dear Friends,

 

Christmas Greetings from Iparana. 

 

We have had a quiet Christmas so far and it doesnt look as if we'll have any snow either!  .....what a shock that would be if we did.  As you can imagine Christmas is rather different here. I cannot say I miss working in the snow or cold weather, but winter has a beauty all of it's own. Who cannot marvel at a winter landscape after a heavy snowfall. Also deep snow can cover the muddiest field so that one can walk over without knowing what is beneath.  It can change a landscape over night but can show footprints to homes of friends and family.  As we think about the real meaning of Christmas, I think the Lord has left some tracks for us in the snow....

 

The Scriptures say  "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.   Isaiah 1:18    In Christ, the Love of God has fallen as deep snow and in Christ we see the footprints leading the way to our Heavenly Father. 

 

On Christmas Eve Josi and I looked at family photos and times past...it was good to remember loved ones no longer with us or far away.  But wherever one might be, Christmas is a time that calls us to think deeply about family, so many people feel the loneliest at Christmas and especially for those who have no family .......and yet it's why God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world so that we would not be alone, but bring us back to our Heavenly Father.

 

News from Iparana....

 

The School closed for Christmas over a week ago. Next term at School Josi is hoping to take older children and will need more staff and class rooms....School opens again starting February so we have some time to prepare.

 

We had a Christmas party for the parents and the children. I told them the story of Papa Panov, I am sure some will remember this story of Papa Panov. It centres around a humble shoemaker and his response to others in need at Christmas....It is a wonderful story for Christmas.

 

We continue to have regular art classes, and have a number of gifted young artists. 

 

Dorothy our daughter was born in July and continues to grow and is a happy child. The other day Dorothy celebrated 5 months old and was eating her first food apart from mothers milk...it wont be long before she will be able to sit up on her own. 

 

Thankyou for all your support and prayers throughout the year and also your news. It's always good to hear from friends far away.

 

We pray that you may know Gods love, help and direction in your lives in 2009

 

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year

 

Peter, Josi and little Dorothy

Iparana Studio