Christmas Letter 2020

DECEMBER 2020

Merry Christmas to all you dear friends and family!

Most of us are thankful it’s Christmas – maybe for a break from the craziness of this year, and hoping for a different new year. And now at Christmas, a time where more than ever, the gospel is sung (even by the unbeliever!) we hear of this incredible anticipation for something wonderful:

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices… for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Like the time when Jesus Christ was born, our world must be feeling just as weary. We may not be living under the same type of Roman oppression, but we are discouraged with how dark our world is. Whether it’s in government/politics, the business or medical field, our communities drowning in fear, and the frustration in our own hearts, we all need the light and the hope Christ gives. He IS STILL the Lord! Hope came in reality when Christ was born. And He is just as Sovereign now, as He was when He chose to come, (when the world was just as mixed up) to bring us His Hope eternal.

Some highlights of the past year: Winter-Spring: I took a quick trip out west (with little Adele) to spend some time with my family for a week. Such a great time with them before the changes of March. Near the beginning of “Covid” we had an opportunity to sell flowers. Greenhouses had lost either their contracts with the states, or with all the business restrictions, were able to sell to them. So, we sold hundreds of potted plants on our front yard. It ended up being a crazy month, but it was really neat to have long distance chats with people, who were struggling in fear and worry. We have His hope to share.

Summer: We were still able to make the drive out west to see my family in July. We weren’t quite all together as Charissa and Gerrit were stuck overseas, but we still had a great time. Definitely thankful that all these cousins were able to spend some good time together on the farm. We also were to spend a few days with some of the Heikoop family at a rented cottage – lots of canoeing, fishing and playing in the sand with this side. We also enjoyed a few days camping with some of our church family.

Fall: Another year of homeschooling began! Crazy to think this is already year 7 for us. James and I were able to get away on a quiet weekend away at a nearby hotel. And with some amazing warm weather, we also did a quick overnight tenting trip as a family. We had never tented with all of the kids, so it was a fun and sleepless experience. 😊Adele (1) – Walking and babbling away, this little girl keeps us busy.  We all are enjoying having a cute little one to cuddle and chase! She definitely can stand up for herself, and even bosses Jason around.

Jason (3) - While his speech therapy came to halt in March, his sign language and actual verbiage have increased. He has really started to try to say more words, and quite recently said “Dad”, for the first time (sounded like “a-a-d” but we understood it!)! He loves his siblings (Erik is his hero), and shares with Adele sweetly- most of the time. He really enjoys music, and likes to watch marching bands or other musicians online - often trying to copy their dramatic musicianship! We had two broken limbs in 72 hours this summer, as Jason jumped off the couch, and fractured his left leg. Then Leanne fell from the monkey bars at our park, fracturing two bones in her left arm. Both were good sports about wearing their casts for many weeks -and I was thankful when all was healed.

Leanne (4) – We now have 5 in our “Heikoop Academy” as Leanne is now in JK. She gets quite excited as she learns how to sound out her “favorite letters”. I love seeing her lit up eyes as she feels more a part of school and the big kid’s lives. While her emotions and passions are still very vibrant, she has matured a lot. She loves her little siblings, and is becoming a big helper to keep them out of trouble.

Amy (6) – This girl is in grade 2 and a quick learner in math.  She has a knack for helping in the kitchen, and is very thoughtful to the little ones needs. She loves coloring intricate designs, playing with her friends, and giving lot of hugs. She is quieter and considerate, and brings much joy.

Laura (8) – This girl “turned” her favorite number a couple weeks ago! She is focused and speedy in her schoolwork which I sure appreciate. Laura is quickly thinking of others, putting me to shame with her sacrificial ways. She is also the master of cartwheels around the house and the one to get everyone into non-stop giggles at dinner.

Erik (9) – Humor exploded into our home with this 9-year-old boy! Lots of laughs or groans happen around our dinner table as he and Katie will tell their jokes, or they all will have a competition in making up their own. He is such a great boy, and tender hearted towards his younger brother. Erik & Jason, at last, share a room together. 😊 Erik really enjoyed the backyard ice rink that James built last winter. He is a typical boy that likes to try out jumps, or go down the half pipe on his scooter. Getting to spend some tractor time, with his cousins out west was another highlight for him this year.

Katelyn (11) – This girl has really grown up this past year. She is becoming such a key help with watching her siblings, doing their hair, cooking, and working around the house. When you see Jesus working in your child’s heart, and their response to His Spirit, there is no greater joy than that. And we pray for that to carry on. Her music continues to improve and delight me as she learns more interesting pieces that are starting to challenge my know how! The four oldest are still taking music with MYC, or are in private lessons with their wonderful teacher.

Me – Life is full as I try to look after my families’ every day needs– and feeling like I’m failing so often. But Jesus redeems, and my children also forgive. 😊 Finding out that baby #8 is due February 2021, was exciting news for all of us! We look forward to that “thrill of hope” that comes with new life.   James – This guy continues to be a steadfast dad and husband, serving our church, and others with sincerity & kindness. I am learning much from him as I see his commitment to the Word of God and his gentle heart. He continues to work at Whitebird, looking after his customers well.

We sure would have loved to see more of you all this past year, and we pray that might be more of a reality in 2021.  But whatever this new year will hold, may we kneel down to worship the Lord more– and remember with joy, that heaven awaits! This earth will always be broken and will fail all our dreams. But He is our Hope in life & Hope in death.

“Fall on your knees…Christ is the Lord, O praise His name forever. His power and His glory evermore proclaim!”

His power, and glory. Evermore proclaim!

With love,  James, Liz, Katelyn, Erik, Laura, Amy, Leanne, Jason & Adele