Saturday 16 December 2017

Christmas Letter 2017

If there was one word to sum up our year, it would be trust.  For our little family, this year brought forth new beginnings in so many ways.  With these beginnings, we have had to learn to trust God and allow his plan to prevail (and in many cases, be ready to change what we thought our plan was). Though this has been difficult in some ways, it has also been so neat to see where God has taken us.

As Ashlynn grows bigger each day, we are seeing more and more of her own unique personality shine through.  She has quite the funny laugh, and her love of animals continues to shine through. Currently, Ashlynn spends her days at Nana's house while Wes and I are at work. She loves playing and reading books.  She is talking so much, and though sometimes the 'sisterly love' doesn't look present, she adores Peyton and will often talk about and copy her big sister.

Peyton had a very big year for many reasons.  In the spring, Peyton accepted Christ into her life! She also started Junior Kindergarten this year at Central Baptist Academy. She is loving learning new things each day, and it has been amazing to see her grow in her faith. She loves reading and writing. At the beginning of the year, Peyton took ukulele and is hoping to return to it in the New Year. Both Peyton and myself went up to Joy Bible camp over the summer for a week to volunteer at Senior Youth, and it was so neat to see her back at the place that has made such a difference in the lives of both Wes and I.  She has truly grown so much over the year, and sometimes I have to remind myself that she is only four as she is wise beyond her years.

This year has also brought changes for both Wes and I.  We started off 2017 by spending a weekend at JBC kid-free, which was such a great refresher (and yes, Wes even got me to move from my traditional skis to actually getting up on a snowboard). Wes continues to work as a masonry for my Dad, but as he continues to work with this crew he is learning more each day. I took on a Grade 7 position at Central Baptist Academy, and will move over to teach French to the school in January. I have learned so much even in my few months working at CBA, and hope to continue to do so in the New Year. Sadly, I have had to step away from my position at The Art of Music Academy, and although saying goodbye to my students was tough- I know God has big things in store for us, but often busyness can overtake so many other important things in our life.

We are so grateful for each and every person who has supported us over this year. We have come to know so many new friends over the year both through the school and church. I cannot wait to see how God will move in our lives in 2018, and use people as messed up and sinful as we are to further His kingdom.  I hope each one of you has a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
The Marshalls
The girls at Senior Youth

Marriage Retreat at Joy Bible Camp

Walking down the beach

Peyton played on the Central Baptist Soccer league for the first time this year

So neat to see these two playing together

My silly little girl

Peyton and I shared our "first day of school" together

First Day of JK!

Loves school and soaks up everything like a sponge

Ashlynn often will tell jokes now and laugh hysterically