Mele Kalikimaka and Hau Oli Makahiki Hou!
(Hawaiian for "Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year")
January 7, 1992
Aloha from
Hilo, Hawaii, the rainieast city in the USA. Life in Uganda got us into
"African time," now "Hawaiian time" has become our life's
pace. Perhaps we could argue for some
theological justification that historians doubt
whether Jesus was actually born on 25 December! All this is to try and excuse
our lateness. Nevertheless, we do send you our sincere "aloha" and prayers
that all is well with you and yours this new year.
We praise
God for a very wonderful 1991. Mark thoroughly enjoys the challanges and opportunities
of pastoral ministry. The church family is supportive and eager to serve the
Lord. Since he began in February the attendance has doubled. In April we began
a second morning worship service. The Christmas season with Advent services,
Cantata, and Christmas play was great. Indeed, the coming of our Lord Jesus is
"good news of great joy."
Another
great joy for us is our three sons. They are very happily settled into life in
Hawaii too. Right now they're outside racing their "remote control"
cars, given by a generous uncle for Christmas. They are more "high
tech" than the banana stalks and old tires they played with in Uganda, yet
they still have the joy of simple pleasures together. They all attend the Haili
Christian School (pre-school through 8th grade, 310 students) our church
school. Our life is very centralized. We rent a church-owned house right across
from the street from our church and school. Nathan, now 7 1/2, is in second
grade. He enjoys reading and geography. Josiah, who just turned 6, is in first
grade. He is a good helper and organizer. Aaron is in 4 year old pre-school. He
is full of enthusiasm and loves to catch chameleons. All three of them are
taking swimming lessons and are doing well, what do you expect for Hawaii? This
spring Nathan and Josiah begin soccer league, we've got the ice packs ready for
shin kicks. As you may imagine, life with three little guys is never dull. We
praise God that they are healthy and happy. It's especially rewarding to hear
them coming home from school memorizing Bible verses and singing praises to
God. Pray for them, and their parents, to grow in the grace and knowledge of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
Dayna is
happy to be back with her family and friends here. So far she has not lacked
for "honor" as a prophetess in her own home. Rather, God has opened
many doors of ministry, especially through the missions committee and in
Christian education. Coming home has given her many opportunities to share her
faith with old friends. This year she hopes to begin a "Moms and
kids" week-day morning program at the church.
We pray this finds you and yours strong in the Lord
and ready for all the Lord has for us in 1992!
Mark, Dayna, Nathan, Josiah, and Aaron Blair
