We truly had a wonderful time as a family over the Holidays!! It was great to catch up with our son, Nathaniel. He is hoping to finish his undergrad degree in December and then possibly come and live with us for several months before he goes off to Seminary. Of course the girls miss their big brother. Nicole has come to me in tears several times since Nathaniel left on Saturday. Unfortunately this is part of missionary life that we don't particularly care for. I do think however that missionary kids possibly have a better understanding that this life is temporary and I think they look forward to Heaven and the fellowship that we will have that will be for eternity!! Most kids grow up in a very small "world" and missionary kids have the privilege of seeing a bigger "picture" of life. It's hard to think outside of my family, school, church, town... So, if you think missionary kids are different---they are! They are living in a more realistic world than many think!! Mks (missionary kids) may not know about the newest electronic gadget, or the most update lingo, but boy do they have an edge when it comes to knowing another language, culture and even possibly understanding the Great Commission better than anyone their age!! Sometimes we (missionary parents) think our kids are missing out by not having a State side upbringing. I think in the long run our kids are in the best position!