Our 2013 Christmas Letter

So in order to save some trees and some postage, I decided to blog our Christmas letter.  I love getting updates from friends and family, and this blog has been a great way of keeping our loved ones in tune to what we are up to...but there may be a few things you didn't know about the Puffenbergers' 2013 :)

  We had a wonderful year as we wrapped up our first year abroad and began our second year in HK. I would say that after returning from the States last January, things in Hong Kong started to feel more at home, as we became much more familiar with our surroundings and where to find things.  It also helped that Sarah was that much older, Marina was more acquainted with our children, and Andy and I were able to find some more time for ourselves.  Our children were also comfortable in their schools, and began to thrive in their new settings.  Yes, I'd say by last January, our family was breathing a collective sigh of relief.

Miss Sarah Jane has probably done the most changing this year.  She has become such a little personality all her own, making us laugh and take notice of her.  I have thoroughly enjoyed her growing up...sometimes just sitting back and watching her play with her toys and "read" her books. She loves to receive attention from her siblings, but there are definitely times she simply wants to be left alone.  Sarah is already our "go with the flow" kid, having logged more miles than most adults.  But her pleasant demeanor has made her such a joy, and we are so thankful that the Lord completed our family with Sarah.

Abby continues to amaze us with her energy and zest for life! Her smile is infectious, and she makes a lot of friends on the train:) She has become accustomed to her new HK schedule: getting out the door by 7:15 to catch the shuttle, to make the train, to get on her 7:50am school bus, and then to do that in reverse and be home by 12:30 for lunch.  She enjoys school, swimming and even got to snorkel this Christmas.  Abby loves to color, play pet shop, and does her best to keep up with her siblings.

Josh is maturing right before our eyes and loving his life in HK, while missing his friends and family in the States.  He loves school and learning, enjoys playing soccer and basketball, and will start some tennis lessons after Christmas.  He is always looking to jump in our little pool, and loves to take bike rides along the promenade with his dad and sister, Emma. His front teeth have finally grown in, and I believe eating his vegetables is paying off where his height is concerned. He's also thoroughly enjoyed watching the Buckeyes play with his daddy, even when they break his heart:)

Emma has made the hardest transition...missing her friends the most.  She, as well as all my children, have been blessed with some amazing teachers, and she has thrived in school. Emma is playing the piano and basketball for school this winter season.  She has made some good friends who are in her class for the second year and continues to be our comic relief and peacemaker.  We are also amazed at her depth of character, as she grows in her faith....and she still loves roller coasters!

Grace is thoroughly enjoying middle school and an increase in independence...especially living in Hong Kong, as she has learned how to navigate trains.  She continues to play soccer throughout the year, and played basketball last winter.  This year, she is trying her acting skills and is playing the part of Miss Hannigan in the school's January production of Annie.  We love how she is growing and maturing in all areas of her life, and it is such a gift to see how she interacts with her siblings. A highlight for her was going to Malaysia on a school trip.

Andy and I celebrated our 15th anniversary in June and took a trip to Macau without our children. Andy continues to enjoy his job with W.L. Gore as he develops relationships with Asian associates. I have also found my groove. I have formed some friendships that I have thoroughly enjoyed and have found more time for excerise and reading.

We were able to do some more traveling this year...going to the Philippines for missions twice, Beijing with our Aussie friends, and closed the year with Phuket, Thailand with our guests for the month, Ron and Rebecca Werner.  We feel incredibly blessed to have had the experiences of seeing different parts of the world and learning about different cultures.  The Lord has been very faithful and present as we  navigate this journey, and we are excited to see what He has in store for us in 2014. Thank you to those who have reached out to us, especially during this season.  It is so encouraging during our "lonely-missing home-tired of this pace-in need of more space"moments.