Hello Everyone!
We trust that you had a very lovely Christmas holiday and
that it was spent with family, friends, and loved ones. Wherever you were, we
pray that you felt the love and presence of the Lord.
We ended the YOYL 2012 year with our graduation ceremony
where each of our 7 students were presented with certificates of completion for
their year of service. The very next day we boarded the plane bound for San
Francisco.
Piet and I were very spoiled in our 5 weeks in the US! We
had such a great time and we were sad when it finally came time to leave.
Most of our time was spent being wined and dined by old
friends for me, and new ones for Piet. We eventually got to the point where we
were no longer hungry and simply ate because it was that time! We were treated
so well and loved by everyone that we were able to see though we were saddened that
time simply did not allow us to see everyone we would have liked to!
Our time in Livermore was spent with my parents,
Grandparents and a few dear friends. We took a week to explore parts of
Southern California making sure not to miss Disneyland! On the way, we spent a
few nights in Yosemite where Piet saw snow for the first time. He will definitely
say that this was a big highlight for him! We were also in Redding for a week
visiting the Stirring and a few of my old college friends. Piet felt right at
home and fit in so well with the Stirring culture. We can truly say that our
time away was precious and we have come back refreshed and ready for this new
year.
Today is our second day back to work. We are working out the
kinks of the YOYL program and preparing for the students to arrive on the 5th
of February. We will have our Orientation week from 5-8 February and hopefully
will start off the year with a bang!
Please do join in praying with us and for us. Not only for
this year but for us personally. There are a lot of things on our hearts at the
moment, though not much we can share at this point. We are still praying about
our future in ministry and open to whatever (and wherever) the Lord has in
store for us.
To those in the US, thank you to each one who gave us a meal
or even a cup of coffee. Our time with you was truly valuable and will not be
quickly forgotten. To those in South Africa, thank you for receiving us back
with open arms. We look forward to 2013 with you!
All our love,
The Bakers
It was so great to see you and to finally meet Piet!! Maybe some day we will come to South Africa to see you guys!! ~Holly
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