Really, we are thankful for a good year and being able to enjoy the opportunities of service and the good relationships with many dear people. Thanks to many of you who have enriched our lives by greetings, visits, cards, calls, etc. Thank you very much!
As we have done for six years we began 2013 in Orlando, Florida serving with Wycliffe Associates. Both of us have fitted into special niches at Wycliffe and are glad to be able to join about 150 others who want to serve the Lord and share in the work of bringing the Bible to people who have never been able to read it for themselves in their own heart language.
The afternoon before we were to leave Orlando a close friend of ours who lived 2 hours north with his wife passed away suddenly, probably a heart attack. We went up immediately to spend time with the widow; comforting her and helping to make funeral arrangements, etc.
Our sixth grandchild was born on May 17; a girl: Nola Brooks Bauman.
How exciting; she is so big already!
In late May we went up to Ontario for three weeks to visit my family and redo a basement bath room for my sister. In July we went to camp (UPBC) for six weeks. I did some “finish up” work on the new Retreat Center that has been built over the last four years. Rosie worked in the kitchen most days helping with all kinds of baking, like 24 pies for a special “pie night!”
At the end of September we were at camp again for the Autumn Adventure weekend. We stayed on for five days to help with a cabin renovation project. The leaves were very pretty, though not quite as good as the previous two years. Being in the northlands is always good.
In October we flew to southern California for a Wycliffe Associates conference and visit with Rosie’s family and our daughter, Karen. Rosie’s sister celebrated her 92nd birthday. We had an enjoyable time on the coast and in the mountains visiting family and friends.
A few weeks ago we made another trip to Ontario primarily for a nephew’s wedding, but also to work for my sister on another house project. Karen arrived from California and spent a few days with her brother and his family. They intended to come to Ontario for the wedding but a bad snow and ice storm made them decide otherwise. We returned last Sunday with Karen. Monday was a busy day for Rosie and Karen preparing for the family Christmas dinner held yesterday. Most of the family were here; only three missing!
Shaina, our oldest granddaughter, has been with us for a month before heading out for Kurdistan on a six-month contract. She hopes to leave this week, although she has been delayed before.
That is our year! We hope you have (or had) a good Christmas; and our best wishes to you for 2014.
Abner and Rosie Bauman
