Well, it's Thursday, December 8th and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.  Life has been good to us since September.  We've been getting projects done (more at home than at Exodus), the baby's been growing, and we've been enjoying the holidays. 

      I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about a very exciting development in Eli's family.  Since August Eli's parents have been in the process of adopting 15-year-old twin girls from Albania.  It has been an exciting adventure jumping through hoops and trying to complete, in a few months, a procedure that normally takes a couple of years.  But God has blessed their endeavor and the girls should be home on or around Christmas Eve.  Eli's mom is in Albania now finalizing everything.  The girls are very excited about their new family and home and are looking forward to meeting us as much as we are looking forward to meeting them. 

     As I said, the baby has been growing and is doing very well.  It's hard to believe that in about six weeks I'll be able to hold him in my arms!  His room is just about ready for him and I have more than enough clothes for his first few months.  Just about all that remains is to set up his basinet and buy diapers.  It's very exciting, but hardly feels real!

     I hope God blesses you with a rich, cheery holiday season!     

     Well, that's the newsflash for the next few weeks. Check back once in a while to see if I've gotten around to writing any more updates, but don't expect them too often. Feel free to e-mail me to ask any other questions you might have or to just say hi. My e-mail is "amanda@exodusbooks.com".