Tomorrow morning Jody is getting his three remaining wisdom teeth removed. I'll let you know later how he's faring.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Merry Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9, 6-7

Dear Family and Friends,

I wanted to take a moment to write you all and wish you a Merry Christmas. Yay for yearly updates!!! As I am writing, I am sitting in the home of my in-laws. Today is Christmas Eve, and I am starting to get excited. Gifts are piled under the tree, candles are lit throughout the house, and homes throughout Jody's hometown are decorated in lights to celebrate the holidays. It is wonderful to spend Christmas in America this year!

2008 has been a year of definite growth and change for both Jody and me. We finished our season of teaching in Korea - closing a huge chapter in our lives and saying goodbye to many good friends. Then we had to transition back to life in America. It has been exhausting. We have had to move countries, spend months with in-laws, live frugally, coordinate to compile all our stuff in one place, apply (and get accepted!) to Denver Seminary, and find a place to live once we got there. It has been a huge challenge for us, but God has been faithful through it all!

Perhaps the biggest challenge, however, has been the waiting. We had decided that Jody would pursue seminary back in February, but there were months of waiting in Korea... and months of waiting here in America. It has been a long season of growing and waiting in faith on God's timing, but we are thrilled to almost be there! And even now we see the Lord's guiding hand, leading us step by step.

We plan to move up to Littleton, Colorado early January, and Jody will begin classes on January 26th. We will be living in the basement of a Christian family's home about a mile away from the school, which is close enough for Jody to reach by bike. Yay! (I got a bike, too, which I am tremendously stoked about. Scroll down to see a picture of it.) I will begin looking for a job. I do not know yet what my options are, but I am praying for God to prove Himself faithful once again! We are also thrilled to be moving to Colorado - where I was born, where my parents spent significant time and raised part of our family, where the Denver Broncos are (woohoo!), where Jody and his family often vacationed, and where it is easier to live an outdoorsy, athletic lifestyle. We could not be more thrilled. :)

I would be remiss if I did not at least mention another great part of 2008: our first full year of marriage! This past August Jody and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary- woohoo! We are so thankful for the time we had in Korea to start learning how to be a team. In another culture it often feels as though it is 'you vs. everybody else', even if it is not the case, so we learned to work together. Now we are learning new lessons as we face the challenges of life in Amerca. It is humbling and challenging, but we are determined to grow. And the Lord is faithful to multiply love and grace between us as we work through all the logistics of life. We love each other more than ever!

As we start a new phase in our lives, we wanted to let you know how dearly we love and miss each and every one of you. We hope and pray that Jesus, the One called Immanuel, God With Us, will be with you this holiday season and into 2009. May He be the Lord of your heart and the One who directs your steps. God bless you and Merry Christmas!

Please keep in touch!

the beens

jody.been@gmail.com

ruth.been@gmail.com

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;

Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases;

Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;

Who satisfies your years with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Psalm 103, 1-5

The past week was a full one for Jody and me, and we are overwhelmed with praise at God's goodness to us. Last week was full of Thanksgiving festivities. We celebrated with both sides of Jody's family. Pictures are soon to be posted on Facebook, at least of one side of the family!

Then, Monday morning Jody and I left early for Colorado. It was roughly 450 miles from Pampa to Littleton, going through the Panhandle, northwest through New Mexico and then straight up I-25 to Denver. We arrived at Denver Seminary in good time and were ushered to their guest apartment, where we stayed for two nights. On Tuesday we took the campus tour, visited two classes, the chapel, and had lunch with Jody's academic advisor. We even found out that the owners of the school's cafe are Koreans and we are sure to have Korean food for lunch should we want it! YAY!

After a busy day at the school, Jody and I went and visited a basement that was on Craig's list for rent. After viewing it, talking with the family that lives there, and praying a LOT, we decided to go for it. The basement has its' own separate entry, two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen (that yet needs appliances), free Wi-fi, washer/dryer, all for $500! We are so thrilled by God's provision. The family sounds really great and are strong Christians. Truly, for the Littleton/Denver area, I do not think we could find a better situation for where we are and what we're trying to do - get Jody through seminary without going into debt.

Now we are back in Texas, catching up on rest from that busy visit, and praying for a job to open up for me once we move and settle in Littleton. Overall, we are greatly encouraged in our faith and are anticipating what God will do in the future.