My oh my, it has been a full year!

Sarah and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary on the 9th. We had a few folks down to her parent’s place on the water in Gig Harbor. It was also to celebrate my lovely wife’s birthday (on the 12th), and my 27th birthday (on the 7th). We had a great time barbecuing, boating, and drinking (most of us, anyway). So now I’m 27. When i was a kid, people used to ask my parents how old i was… if my dad spoke up first, he would say “He’s 27, but he’s a midget!” So for many years, i vaguely wondered what its like to BE 27. Now i shall find out! But for the most part, that doesn’t change much.

But everything is different now.

Italy partied with us as they won the World Cup finals game (Forza Italia!) on that same day — bringing to conclusion an exciting month for the whole family as we have been following the games. Sarah’s parents and younger brother and his wife met up with us in Germany last month to watch Ghana whoop up on everyone’s favorite super power (i love how level the soccer field is). We had a marvelous time seeing the German countryside, and spent a week on the Mediterranean in the Italian Riviera, where we met up with Sarah’s older brother and his wife. How i miss that gentle sun and clear, cool water. Seeing how Europeans live made us feel like we could do just fine in the little house we just bought that many people told us would be too small for us.

Buying the house was a big deal. We kinda had a self-taught crash course in financial planning (as we decided if it would be economically feasible), real estate (as we sorted out what and where), credit scores (as we looked for financing), investments (as good friends and family came along side us to make it all possible), and the grace of God (as door after door opened, leading to the house we prayed for). It was an incredible process. We became home owners the day before we left for our 3 week vacation.

But i suppose on a day to day level, it won’t be much different — the mortgage is more than rent, but it is within our budget. We have expanded responsibilities with the yard, investors, and a new neighborhood. But I’m looking forward to the maturation that these will bring. A lot will be differnt, but owning doesn’t really change everything…

BUT…

More than all the exciting things we have done in the past few months and year as a married couple, one thing changes the future more than anything else. Sarah is pregnant! We are gonna have a baby, some time in early March! We are totally excited, and are already finding ways to love this little being growing in Sarah’s womb.

… I thought you might like to know. It’s been a great year!

Merry Christmas to all! I hope your holiday was filled with love, and the joys of giving linger long. Personally, i really enjoyed my first married Christmas with Sarah’s terrific family. I love my in-laws, and all the rich holiday traditions they have so eagerly made me a part of. Thanks, Riggios!

Right now, Muslims in Pakistan are feeling the anticipation for Eid ul-Adha (Jan 10th, this year) where gifts are given, with a particular concern for the poor. Christmas is not widely celebrated in Pakistan, but while i was there, i heard many references to “December 25th”. It wasn’t in the context of presents, holidays, or shopping though. This is the oft-quoted date for when the winter snows get started - a very present threat in the mind of many a homeless mountain villager.

I was saddened by the negative association with one of my most joyful days of the year. I have been motivated to pray for a delay in the impending onset of winter. Right now, that seems like the best gift i can offer my Pakistani friends. Current weather reports seem to indicate that heavy snows have not yet started, thankfully. Maybe this year, Dec. 25th passed with a little joy after all!

May this gift continue to be given, day by day, as more shelters get built!