What's making me smile these days...

1. Winning a blog giveaway! I NEVER win anything. I can't shut up about it!
2. Seeing Munkhuush and his mommy at church on Sunday
3. Having Amanda all to myself for Christmas vacation
4. Seeing the kids so thrilled with their presents
5. MY presents (among them jewelry from Hetee AND my in-laws!)
6. Nate learning the concept of self-control and putting it into practice on his own
7. Kenny's sumo wrestling position
8. Being able to help a poor family buy firewood and coal
   
9. Seeing my kids celebrate the holidays with both sets of grandparents
10. Sending a package to my friends, Brad and Sara
11. Getting a package from Sara
12. Abi eating a Popsicle

Although this Christmas season was fraught with sad news, I am trying to focus on the good things and blessings that are all around us. Counting my reasons to smile helps me to do this.

Please pray for Enkhee and Byambaa, a couple from our Ulaan Baatar church. They awoke Christmas morning to find their days old baby boy, dead. Please pray that God's comfort and peace be with them and their 2 small daughters. My heart just aches for them at the thought.

Also pray for Temka, a friend of ours who also lives in UB. She was 8 months pregnant and lost her unborn baby boy and had to have him surgically removed from her womb about 2 weeks before Christmas.

Please keep our little ones in your prayers. Satan is really attacking. Many of our couples are expecting and I know of 2 women now who are experiencing signs of miscarriage.

I'm sorry if I bummed you out with all this stuff. We covet your prayers. Thanks for listening!