Dear friends,Once again, the new year is almost upon us and we can't believe how time has swept by so quickly.
This year has brought many ups and downs, but through it all, God has been faithful to us, most of all to
Lizzie, for whom this year has passed without any major emergencies, or the need for any surgery.
Our little one started pre-school in September and has shown great progress in her social and physical development.
Best of all we are pleased to report that she is communicating more clearly and uses words that often surprise us (perhaps because we have underestimated her abililities?), and as a parent its these little things that bring us great joy.
Sometimes as I observe her play and interact with her friends, I silently thank the Lord for allowing her to come as far as she has. All the while we are always aware that God is the one in control of every situation, and as we make plans for the future, we are constantly reminded that tomorrow it can all be easily taken away, according to His perfect will - so we should never take things for granted.
So as we approach the new year I am wondering what it will hold for us.
We continue to hold on to His promises for comfort and healing, and that the plans that He has for us will give us hope and a future. We try to instill in Lizzie a love for God and His Word, and to teach her that in every situation there is a reason to give Him thanks, and to pray unceasingly.
We are well aware of the complicated road that lies ahead and we have not given up our prayers for a miracle - there was a verse which spoke to me (Jn9:3)- about a blind man, and the reason for his affliction. Jesus answered that the true purpose of his disability was not because of punishment, nor was it because of anything anyone had done, but solely that the works of God would be manifest in him. Therefore we are submitting our daughter into His hands that whatever He has instore for her will be for His glory.
We give thanks that Lizzies eyes have been fine this past year - she is squinting less, vision is still normal, and her constipation is getting sorted out gradually.)
Lizzie getting her eyes checkedSo as 2009 draws to a close (I am literally typing this on New Year's Eve to get in one last final post before 2010!) we want to remember those of you whom we have not seen for a while, those of you who were once close, those that prayed with us, who helped us in various ways, and those with which we have lost touch.
We just want to let you know that you are not forgotten, but we do remember you and think of you now and then with fondness and gratitude. You know who you are. We are sorry for not keeping in touch more often, but hope that in 2010 you and your families will be blessed, and that it will be a time for old ties will be renewed.
God Bless,
Elaine, Simon & Lizzie
