Merry Christmas to all!
Wow, I cannot believe that it is this time of year again. Where does the time go? So many things have happened to our family over the last 3 years, since my last Christmas letter. I thought it about time to catch everyone up. Since the last letter, we have added 3 to our household (yes, 3!). Peyton was a surprise to us all when she joined our family 1year after I was diagnosed and treated for Thyroid cancer. This year our family entered the wonderful world of International adoption, and our family grew by 2 more, when we brought home our 2 newest sons, Micah and Daniel, from Ethiopia in August. God has certainly blessed us! We have been, and continue to be, awed by His faithfulness and grace. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” –Matthew 6:33
Jerry – Jerry continues to work at LF Driscoll. He is currently working on the Art Museum project, helping to restore the beautiful Philadelphia Art Museum. He works hard so that I am able to stay at home with all the kids, and do the mommy thing. Besides working, he loves to coach Upward basketball, and the local little league baseball club. He has also mastered tossing kids in the air, knowing who Barbie is, decorating with Christmas lights, diapers, and all that other fun Daddy stuff. He is a great Dad! When he does get a free moment, he keeps himself busy with all of our home projects. He has gone on a few short-term missions trips to Louisiana with our church, and looks forward to being able to do more of those, possibly to other destinations. “May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to him.”
–Daniel 3:20
Jordan Thomas – Jordan turned 9 this year. He is home schooled and in the 4th grade. He loves Science and art. Jordan is our sports fanatic and plays Upward basketball, little league baseball (yes, his Dad is his coach for both sports), and does gymnastics. We all enjoyed watching the Phillies win the World Series this year! Jordan is an awesome big brother, always full of energy. He is a Wii bowling expert, a TobyMac fanatic, and is always ready with some sort of joke. He was able to travel with us this summer by raising all of his travel expenses himself, and even got to spend his 9th birthday in Ethiopia! He even spent a short time in the country of Jordan, so “Jordan was in Jordan” (his joke). He has grown up so fast. He continues to keep us young, and laughing. As much as he has grown, he still loves to snuggle with Mom, much to my enjoyment. “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him…Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” –Psalm 127:3,5
Anika Hope – Anika is 7 this year; oh how time flies. She is home schooled and in the 1st grade. According to her, she loves all school subjects, but I think reading is her favorite. She is a cheerleader with the Upward program, and although she is generally rather quiet, she has blossomed into quite the cheerleader. Anika is a huge help with the little children, always ready to mother if needed. She has a huge heart, and such a gentle spirit. Anika is always standing by with a hug, making our home full of love and happiness. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” –Romans 15:13
Peyton Esther – Peyton just turned 2. She is a bundle of energy, and giggles. Always into something, she keeps me on my toes. Christmas lights are a huge hit with her this year. It is so much fun to see, and hear, the excitement. She loves babies, candy canes, Elmo, lights, “her Anika” (“Ka-ka”), and having Daddy toss her in the air. She keeps this family laughing and moving. She has blessed us all in so many ways. “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” –2 Corinthians 9:15
Micah David – Micah is 2 1/2. He is extremely intelligent, full of energy, and he and Peyton work very well together when getting into things. In 4 months he has picked up the American language extremely well, as well as the culture. French fries, pizza, Elmo, cars/trucks, tractors, horses and cows… these are a few of his favorite things; as well as any kind of sweet you can imagine. Truly the child has a sweet tooth! Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Santas, snow, all are new to him, and what fun it is to be here when he experiences these. It has been a blast sharing all of his “firsts”. He has the ability to make us all smile, just by being so stinkin’ cute! He is a true blessing to our family. “O Sovereign Lord, You are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things” –2 Samuel 7:28
Daniel Luke – Daniel is our baby, at 10 months old. He has fit into that roll exceptionally well. I find it truly amazing how God fit just the right kids into our family, in just the right birth order. He is a roly-poly, happy baby, growing like a weed, and almost always smiling that big toothless grin. Don’t get me wrong; he is also very strong-willed, as evidenced by his screaming in discontent from Ethiopia to Philadelphia. God bless the British Airways flight crew! However, with 4 older siblings, someone is always around to play with, pick up a dropped toy, or accomplish whatever it seems he needs at that moment. He can light up a room with that smile. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.” –Isaiah 43:5-6
Kim - I continue to stay at home and take care of the children, as well as the general running of the household. I home school the school kids, and chase after the toddlers. I am so appreciative that I am able to continue to do this. Our children grow up, and move on so quickly. I am very thankful for being able to spend this short period of time with them, watching them grow. “But as for me, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the Lord, with justice and courage…” –Micah 3:8a
Our hope is that this letter finds you happy and healthy. We are privileged to know family and friends who are serving overseas, fighting for so many, and so much. We pray daily for their safety, and swift return home. We are so thankful for each and every one of you. May joy be your gift this Christmas, and may faith, hope and love be your treasures in this upcoming New Year. Merry Christmas!
In faith, by grace –
-The Seitzingers!
Jerry, Kim, Jordan, Anika, Micah, Peyton, and Daniel
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.” – Matthew 2:10-11
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-children born not of natural decent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” – John 1:11-13
