2015 White Family Christmas Letter

December 2015

Greetings Friends and Family,

Merry Christmas from The White House! =)  It is so amazing to think that 2015 is nearing its completion, and that a new year is about to begin.  Time passes by quickly.  Remember when it took “forever” for a whole year to pass?!

Marcelo is in 1^st grade this year, and loves reading, tinkering, and is very detailed.  He is very determined in most everything he does, or doesn’t do.  He played his first team sport this year, and has since decided he plans to be a professional soccer player.  Obviously, he ended up loving soccer!

Ethan is in the 4^th grade this year, and also loves reading, art, music, and sports.  He is detailed as well, and this particularly shines in his drawings or art projects.  He is also a gifted athlete.  He is currently playing basketball, played soccer earlier this year, and dreams of being a professional football player.  Both boys learned how to play chess this year, and I’m amazed at their ability to strategize.

Although Mario has been a pastor for over 10 years, this year he pursued becoming a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God.  In addition to being on the pastoral staff at our church, he oversees a counseling ministry at the church, and has his own private counseling practice in a nearby town.  He is the lead pastor for our 5pm service on Sundays, and we love being a part of our church and community.  He also had the opportunity to climb Mt. Adams this year, and hopes to climb Mt. Rainer in the near future! Michelle continues teaching Spanish to elementary aged students, and leading a Summer Enrichment program through our church’s preschool.  A highlight for her continues to be leading a week long Missions Emphasis week for elementary aged students, sharing about Unreached People Groups (UPG) and praying for our church’s adopted UPG’s.

More than anything, we are thankful to the Lord for His great gift of salvation. Because of Jesus, we no longer need to be separated from God.  This Truth offers us hope daily, in both the good times and the hard. It is our deepest desire that you each know God’s immense love for you. Whether or not you know Him, may this year mark a newness in your understanding of His love for you.  May this be true for our family as well.

Sincerely,

Mario, Michelle, Ethan and Marcelo White

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”         Isaiah 9:6

Las Posadas

As many of you know I have taught Spanish for years.  Currently I teach for elementary students, and I was searching for a simple way to share with them about Las Posadas.  I used several story books and handouts, but also felt inspired to write this poem.  Enjoy!  And Feliz Navidad!

A child dressed as Joseph, a child dressed as Mary

And many young travelers more….

Walk house to house looking for shelter

Waiting for an innkeeper to open his door

Those outside sing can they come in?

Those inside sing  “no room in the inn”

Night after night continues the drama

Nine nights in a row they search for Posada

The path sometimes long, the path sometimes short,

Luminarias lighting their way

Over and over they are told there’s no room

And the pilgrims have nowhere to stay

Those outside sing can they come in?

Those inside sing  “no room in the inn”

Night after night continues the drama

Nine nights in a row they search for Posada

At last there is hope --- an innkeeper says yes,

And shelter the couple has found

Candy and food, piñatas and fun

Songs of joy can be heard all around

Those outside sing can they come in?

Those inside sing  “Yes, please come in”

Night after night continues the drama

Nine nights in a row they search for Posada

We each are the innkeeper guarding our heart

Will we let the Christ Child come in?

He offers us life, wants us to be whole,

Only He can forgive us of sin.

The God of Creation asks can He come in?

We must decide what we’ll answer Him.

Night after night continues the drama

Until everyone’s heard He is our Posada